Category: South Africa Government

North West Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi has congratulated the North West Class of 2025 that sat for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations for achieving an overall pass rate of 88.49%, securing the province a commendable fourth position nationally.

On Monday, Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube announced the 2025 matric results, revealing that the country has achieved its highest-ever national pass rate of 88%, reflecting a 0.7% increase from 2024.

KwaZulu-Natal emerged as the top-performing province in the 2025 matric exams, with an impressive pass rate of 90.6%. 

It was followed by Free State at 89.33%, and Gauteng, which recorded a pass rate of 89.06%.

North West is in fourth place with 88.49%, while the Western Cape achieved a pass rate of 88.20%. 

The Northern Cape recorded 87.79%, Mpumalanga had a pass rate of 86.55%, Limpopo reached 86.15%, and the Eastern Cape closed out the rankings with a pass rate of 84.17%.

Mokgosi, speaking at the event for the release of provincial results held at Ratanang Primary School in Rustenburg on Tuesday, stated that these results reflect the substantial efforts made by government since the onset of democracy to reform and enhance the country’s education system.

“By investing in our education system, we seek to heal the divisions of the past by establishing a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights, and in this regard, the right to education,” Mokgosi said.

He stated that the provincial government is firmly committed to financially supporting learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

Through the Victor Thebe Sifora Provincial Bursary Scheme, R30 million has been allocated to assist students from struggling families in pursuing their studies in various fields.

Mokgosi urged local municipalities in the province to improve the reliability and adequacy of their services. 

He warned that failures in service delivery threaten learner performance and undermine the education system as a whole.

“Teaching and learning, as well as our schools, are a microcosm of our broader developmental trajectory. And if we cannot find lasting solutions to challenges confronting our municipalities, we run the risk of putting a strain on our education system,” the Premier said.

During the announcement of the provincial performance, North West MEC for Education Viola Ntsetsao Motsumi stated that all districts improved their pass rates compared to the previous year, except Ngaka Modiri Molema District, which experienced a decrease of 0.10%.

She announced Temogo Matong from Setswakgosing Secondary School in the Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality, located in Morokweng village, as the top-performing candidate for the North West Class of 2025.

Motsumi stated that despite targeted efforts to assist underperforming schools, the number of such schools continues to rise. 

She added that additional interventions will be implemented in the 2026 academic year.

The Premier praised the MEC, senior management of the department, parents, school governing bodies, teacher unions, faith-based organisations, and traditional leadership, among others, for ensuring that learner development remains a shared responsibility.

As the back-to-school campaign begins, the Premier is currently monitoring the readiness of Sentlhaga Primary School in Wolmaranstad, Maquassi Hills Local Municipality, to start the 2026 school calendar. – SAnews.gov.za

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Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has encouraged prospective students who need guidance in accessing the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system to make use of the Central Application Service (CAS). 

Manamela said that in previous years, the department introduced the Central Applications Clearing House (CACH) as a short-term intervention to match unplaced applicants with available spaces. 

However, from the 2026 academic year, CACH will be discontinued as part of broader reforms to the PSET application process. 

“CAS has been designed as a more comprehensive, integrated and long-term solution to improve access, visibility and coordination across the entire PSET system. CAS will progressively make visible a wider range of pathways beyond traditional university and college routes, while also helping to eliminate bogus institutions and protect prospective students from exploitation,” the Minister said in a statement on Tuesday. 

Students seeking information, guidance and support can WhatsApp the CAS Chat number 081 308 4196. 

Warning against bogus colleges 

The department has also warned prospective students to be vigilant against illegal colleges, noting that such institutions are not registered as required by law and do not offer credible qualifications. 

Manamela said qualifications offered by private skills development providers must be quality assured by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). 

“Bogus colleges often exploit this period of transition, charging fees without providing recognised qualifications. Information on registered and accredited institutions is available on www.dhet.gov.za” 

The Minister further appealed to all private education providers to comply with the law and not mislead students, urging parents and prospective learners to conduct due diligence before making any payments. 

Student wellness and emotional support 

Acknowledging that the transition from school to further study or training can be emotionally challenging, Manamela said the department, through Higher Health, provides free and confidential psychosocial and mental health support services to students and prospective students entering the higher education system. 

“Students requiring emotional or mental health support are encouraged to contact the 24-hour Higher Health Helpline on 0800 36 36 36 for assistance with stress, anxiety or crisis-related concerns,” he said. 

Expanded funding opportunities and SETA bursaries 

The Minister also announced that more than 15 000 SETA bursaries have been made available to support students who do not qualify for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding, particularly those in the so-called “missing middle” and in scarce skills areas critical to economic growth. 

He said the bursaries support studies at universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, covering tuition, learning materials and other study-related costs, forming part of government’s broader strategy to widen access to post-school opportunities. 

“As you embark on this next phase of education, training and upskilling, remain focused, disciplined, and open to the many pathways available to you. Every route of learning matters, and each contributes to building a capable, inclusive, and productive society,” the Minister said. 

Practical guidance for students and parents 

The department has advised students and parents to rely only on official communication channels when engaging with institutions or funding bodies. 

Learners are encouraged to regularly check emails, SMS notifications and institutional portals, and to keep copies of application reference numbers and correspondence. 

Manamela emphasised that no individual or organisation can guarantee placement or accommodation in exchange for payment, warning that such claims should be treated with caution. 

He encouraged students who do not immediately receive offers to explore alternative pathways, including TVET colleges, Community Education and Training colleges, higher certificates, bridging programmes and learnerships, rather than abandoning post-school education altogether. 

“Accommodation is limited and allocated separately from academic admission, and confirmation should always be secured before making travel arrangements. Parents are encouraged to provide emotional support and reassurance during this period.

“Delays, waiting lists or initial disappointment do not mean the end of educational opportunities. South Africa’s post-school education and training system offers multiple entry points and second-chance pathways, and informed, calm decision-making will help young people navigate this transition successfully,” Manamela said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Eskom says it is continuing to repair powerlines that were damaged during veld fires in the Kouga Local Municipality.

Wildfires have ravaged the Eastern Cape municipality leaving damage to, among others, homes, farms, animals and infrastructure.

“Eskom continues to work tirelessly repairing the damaged powerlines that were caused by aggressive veld fires in St Francis Bay and surrounding areas, including Twin Valley, Linderhof Lodge and River Kaya.

“Eskom is urging those customers that are still affected to remain patient as they are being prioritised and attended to,” the power utility assured.

Eskom reported that technicians are currently busy with repairs on the:

• St Francis Bay/Melkhout 22kv line – replacement of two poles.
• Melkhout/Gamtoos 22kv line – line patrolling and inspection, checking for damages.

“Customers are urged to take necessary precautions and stay safe. 

“Eskom would like to thank all affected customers for their patience and understanding displayed during the past few days,” Eskom said.

Meanwhile on Tuesday, the Kouga Local Municipality reported that the majority of fires had been contained and extinguished but warned that “emergency services remain on high alert for possible flare-ups”.

“Mopping-up operations are currently underway in the Linderhof area, as well as other affected areas, to prevent further flare-ups.

“Aerial support is once again assisting ground crews…particularly in areas where large plumes of smoke have been identified. Reports of copper cable theft and burning have been received. Residents are urged to report any suspicious activity immediately,” a municipal statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

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As part of his District Development Model (DDM) mandate, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, will conduct an oversight visit to four schools in KwaZulu-Natal on 14 and 15 January 2026.

Schools in South Africa are today welcoming thousands of learners as they open for the 2026 academic year.

According to the department, this initiative aligns with the National Development Plan (NDP), which calls for a collective national effort involving all stakeholders to improve learning outcomes and further support several of the government’s strategic priorities.

“It further supports government’s drive to improve learner performance, reduce dropout rates, strengthen teaching and learning, and promote mathematics and science education,” the department said. 

This initiative also serves as a critical enabler for the implementation of government’s DDM, which promotes coordinated service delivery across all spheres of government.

In his capacity as DDM champion, Nzimande seeks to use this initiative to coordinate efforts to support educational development in the Harry Gwala District.

As part of the activities, the Minister will engage with the leadership and educators of various schools, officials of the Basic Education Department and other government departments, private sector partners, teachers and learners.

Nzimande is also expected to provide resources and support to learners.

The programme will also include a science career exhibition aimed at encouraging learners to pursue careers in science, technology and innovation. – SAnews.gov.za

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Government has sent its best wishes to all learners as they begin the 2026 academic year on Wednesday. 

This marks an important milestone for millions of learners returning to classrooms, and those going to school for the first time, supported by dedicated teachers, school management teams, parents, and education stakeholders.

“Government calls on all stakeholders; parents, educators, learners, communities, and social partners to work together to create safe, supportive, and disciplined learning environments that enable every learner to reach their full potential.

“Government is ready to receive learners at public schools nationwide and assures parents and caregivers that learners who have not yet been placed will be allocated space,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Wednesday. 

Provincial education departments continue to manage late applications and placement processes in line with capacity planning and infrastructure availability.

As the academic year commences, government encourages learners to remain focused, disciplined and committed to their studies. 

Good health habits such as regular attendance, adequate rest, balanced nutrition and physical activity are essential to effective learning and overall well-being. 

Learners are urged to make responsible choices that support both their academic success and personal development.

“Government is mindful of the challenges faced by communities affected by recent flash floods in parts of Limpopo Province. The safety, well-being, and continued access to education for affected learners remain a priority. The provincial department will advise when it is suitable for schooling to resume in the affected areas,” the GCIS said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, is expected to engage learners and teachers as part of the annual Back-to-School campaign, with a focus on anti-bullying and statutory rape awareness.

The engagement will take place at the Mankgaile Primary School in Ga-Molepo, Polokwane, on Friday.

Learners from Mokwatedi Secondary School, Moria Primary School, Sione Primary School and Mankgaile Primary School are expected to attend.

“The Back-to-School programme is an annual initiative aimed at providing learners with opportunities to become productive, responsible and competitive citizens, through an inclusive quality education system.

“Bullying remains a serious and persistent challenge in South African schools, undermining learners’ rights to safety, dignity and education.

“The Back-to-School campaign seeks to raise awareness and advocate for the end of bullying in schools, while also promoting statutory rape awareness to protect children and learners from sexual exploitation and abuse,” the department said in a statement.

Kubayi is also expected to address the “critical issue of the age of consent, and the importance of reporting sexual offences”.

“The department will conduct this campaign in partnership with the Departments of Basic Education and Social Development, the South African Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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A nation’s climate action goals and economic ambitions can work in tandem for greater prosperity. This, according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who spoke during a fireside chat at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026, held in that country.

“In fact, countries that have embarked on climate action strategies, have found that those interventions do finally yield economic growth. So therefore, one needs to see climate action as a driver and an enabler for economic growth.

“The more we embrace clean energy, the more new technologies come about, new opportunities open up and we find that there are new sub-sectors of the economy that are established and where we might close certain sub-sectors, new ones open.

“Therefore, it’s not a binary question. It’s a mutually inclusive and reinforcing approach,” President Ramaphosa said.

He warned that focus on one side could be detrimental to the other. 

“If we focus on economic growth, to the detriment of climate taking climate action, you’ll find that in the long term, you have economic stagnation or reversal. If you focus on the other only, you’ll find that your economy may grow but it will not grow well.

“A dual approach, focusing on both, can actually drive the economy forward,” the President added.

Reflecting on South Africa’s drive to raise financing for the Just Energy Transition, President Ramaphosa noted that government went about setting its own climate plan and agenda.

“One of the advantages [to this] was, we were able to raise finance smartly, we were able to raise fairly good, blended finance initiatives, grants, concessional financing…so the blended finance architecture was quite good and innovative.

“We were first from the starting blocks and we’re very pleased that a number of countries from the global south have followed in the wake of what South Africa did. We now have attracted, particularly in the Northern Cape… more than R110 billion in investments.

“That has happened because it was South Africa designed and we got the financiers to work with us. There was nothing imposed on us like it has happened in the past. In the past, financiers have focused on what they could get out and we have focused on cooperation. A cooperative process has now been followed and both of us are involved,” he explained.

Turning to the Africa’s potential role as an exporter of green energy, President Ramaphosa highlighted the continent’s endowment of vast amounts of sun, wind power and hydropower as areas of opportunity for investment.

“A combination of all three, as well as our minerals, gives rise to great opportunities where we can generate energy.

“[Some] 600 million people on the African continent, still lack electricity. That, in itself, rather than being a challenge, we see it as an opportunity… that we can utilise all these endowments – our minerals – instead of exporting rock, soil and stones. We should now beneficiate, add value to our minerals so that they are properly utilised in the energy generation.

“Africa is the centre where green hydrogen can [also] be greatly utilised. We can use our solar, wind and in doing so, Africa can become an exporter of energy. This is where we invite financiers, investors to come to the African continent.

“We’ve got great opportunities for generating energy…and infrastructure development in Africa is going to explode by leaps and bounds and on the back of energy generation and good financing, we will be able to see higher levels of growth. I invite you… to come to the African continent and invest there. That is where the future is,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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With the National Senior Certificate (NSC) results released, the 2025 class of Grade 12 is now turning focus towards the future.

In a ceremony on Wednesday evening, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube announced that some 88% of the more than 900 000 learners who wrote exams had passed – a record-breaking milestone for South Africa.

Earlier in the day, Gwarube hosted a breakfast for the country’s top 40 learners in Johannesburg.

At the breakfast, learners expressed joy at their achievements and revealed their ambitions for the future.

Angie Ntuli, a learner from Phumzile Secondary School in Mpumalanga, told SAnews that she was “beyond ecstatic” to be a top achiever.

“It has not been easy at all. My mom was always there for me. We would study together and I would even teach her some of the things that we were doing.

“I am planning on going to the University of Cape Town to study Accounting,” she said.

Another learner, Asanda Ndlela, said the toil of the past year was worth it.

“I am so happy to be part of the top achievers. In fact, I first thought my friends were pranking me but then my school principal called me and then I saw it was serious.

“It’s been a tough year for all of us. But we have managed to get through it and eventually pass. I’m going to be studying Mechanical Engineering at the [University of Johannesburg] this year,” he said.

Simesihle Khuzwayo from King Bhekuzulu College in KwaZulu-Natal said her journey was not easy as she was sick during the year.

The illness and the care she received from medical doctors has now shaped her future career.

“I fell ill a lot and spent most of my time in hospital and I saw that doctors can play a very huge role in improving lives. I also want to do that. I had the best doctors and I also want to be one of those who will help kids like me,” she said.

Khuzwayo shared a word of advice for the incoming matriculants: “Do not compare yourself to others and don’t listen to external pressures which might make you lose focus. Focus on yourself and set realistic goals which you can reach.”  – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Deputy President Paul Mashatile has urged matriculants to utilise government-supported opportunities designed to help young people transition into higher education, skills development and employment.

“The Deputy President reaffirmed government’s commitment to investing in young people and creating inclusive opportunities that enable them to participate meaningfully in the economy and society,” the Deputy President’s Office said in a statement.

Last night, Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube announced the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination results at the Mosaic Church in Randburg, Johannesburg.

The country’s Class of 2025 achieved the highest-ever pass rate of 88% – a 0 .7% increase from 2024.

The Minister emphasised the significance of this achievement, stating that these results represent not merely numbers but a testament to the collective efforts of educators, learners, and communities nationwide.

In 2025, more than 900 000 candidates wrote at about 6 000 centres, with the largest share of candidates being 18 years old.

“Over 656 000 learners passed the National Senior Certificate. That figure carries the effort of every teacher, every learner, families in every corner of our country,” the Minister said.

Gwarube noted that the percentage of learners unable to sit for any of their exam papers has significantly decreased, from approximately 17% in 2017 to around 2% today. 

She also emphasised the importance of the quality of passes, as this is crucial for shaping post-school opportunities.

“Here we look at passes that open doors to Bachelor’s studies, Diploma studies and Higher Certificate studies.”

The national percentage of candidates achieving Bachelor passes decreased slightly, from approximately 48% to 46%. 

However, the total number of candidates who received Bachelor passes increased by 8 700, reaching over 345 000 learners. 

In addition, 28% of candidates achieved Diploma passes, while 13.5% obtained Higher Certificate passes.

The Deputy President extended his heartfelt congratulations to the matric Class of 2025, following the release of the NSC results.

“The Deputy President commends the matriculants for their resilience, discipline, and determination in reaching this important milestone, noting that their achievement represents both personal success and a critical contribution to the country’s future development.”

In September of last year, during a session in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), the Deputy President stated that government is currently implementing a range of collaborative initiatives aimed at addressing youth unemployment. 

These initiatives focus on enhancing the functioning of the labour market through skills training, work experience opportunities, support for entrepreneurship, and wage subsidies.

“The rate of unemployment in our country is indeed a concern to all of us,” the Deputy President told Members of Parliament (MPs).

To this end, Cabinet approved Phase V of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in February 2024, aiming to create five million work opportunities between April 2024 and March 2029, with an estimated five-year budget of R178 billion.

“This programme intends to address youth unemployment by providing young people access to jobs in mass projects such as road maintenance, inclusive of pothole repairs, public infrastructure development, public space beautification, waste management, and social services,” he said last year.

Furthermore, Deputy President Mashatile stated that the government collaborates with social partners, the private sector, and educational institutions through the National Skills Development Plan and the National Skills Fund. 

The aim is to equip young people and marginalised groups with market-relevant skills to enhance job creation initiatives.

Through the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), chaired by Deputy President Mashatile, the State collaborates with social partners such as business, labour, and civil society to develop and implement a joint response to youth unemployment.

In addition, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with the Department of Defence, has conceptualised the South African National Defence Force-led National Youth Service Programme.

The programme aims to empower women, youth, and persons with disabilities to become emerging industrialists in agriculture, energy security, aerospace, maritime, the digital economy, and defence sectors.

“As government, we are committed to moving from fragmented efforts to an integrated national programme that encompasses skills development, economic opportunity, workplace experience, entrepreneurship support, soft skills, and civic education to foster resilience and adaptability,” Deputy President Mashatile added. 

For more programmes for youth in South Africa, please look at the following:

1. National Youth Service Programme (NYSP): A national initiative that engages young people in community service and skills-building activities, promoting patriotism, social cohesion, and employability. https://nydawebsite.azurewebsites.net/Products-Services/National-Youth-Services-Programme.html

2. Youth Employment Service (YES): A government-supported programme, in partnership with private employers, gives youth (18–35) paid work experience for about 12 months to build skills and improve job prospects. https://www.yes4youth.co.za/

3. Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI): Led by the Presidency, this initiative provides short-term work opportunities (e.g., school or community roles) and skills development through the SAYouth.mobi portal. 

4. Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP): Creates temporary paid work opportunities for youth age 18-35 in areas like road work, waste management, infrastructure and environmental projects, plus on-the-job training. http://www.epwp.gov.za/

5. National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Programmes: NYDA supports young people with training, entrepreneurship support, mentorship and small business grants to start or grow youth-led ventures. 

6. Young Creatives Programme (TYCP): Focused on arts and culture, this programme empowers young artists with training, mentoring and platforms to grow their creative careers. https://www.gcis.gov.za/the-young-creatives-programme

7. SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities) – offer learnerships and skills training with stipends in key industries.

8. TVET colleges and skills funds – support technical and vocational training that leads to qualifications and better job prospects. 

– SAnews.gov.za

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The National Treasury has welcomed the removal of South Africa from the European Union’s list of High-risk Third Country Jurisdictions (EU List). 

This follows the delisting of South Africa from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylist or “list of countries under increased monitoring” and the United Kingdom’s list of countries in which there is a high risk for money laundering and terror financing, both of which happened on 13 October 2025.

“National Treasury notes that removal from the FATF and EU lists of high-risk jurisdictions does not mean that all South Africa’s challenges in implementing its Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) system have been resolved, and recognises that much work still needs to be done to strengthen deficiencies in the prevention, identification, investigation and prosecution of money laundering and terrorism financing,” the National Treasury said on Tuesday.

The European Union acknowledged the efforts made by South Africa and the other five African countries, in strengthening their AML/CFT systems, noting: 

“Burkina Faso, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania have strengthened the effectiveness of their AML/CFT regimes and addressed technical deficiencies to meet the commitments in their action plans on the strategic deficiencies identified by the FATF. The Commission therefore considers that Burkina Faso, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania no longer have strategic deficiencies in their AML/CFT regimes…”

South Africa was added to the EU List in August 2023 as an automatic consequence of its greylisting by the FATF in February 2023. 

The EU listing was in terms of its Article 9(1) of Directive (EU) 2015/849, which requires that third-country jurisdictions having strategic deficiencies in their systems for combating money laundering and terrorism financing (high-risk third countries) must be identified to protect the proper functioning of the EU’s internal market.

“This EU law requires that financial institutions in the EU must apply a higher level of scrutiny to transactions involving parties in countries deemed to be high-risk (enhanced due diligence), resulting in more rigorous and intrusive checks, increased documentation requirements, continuous monitoring and senior management approval for transactions,” the National Treasury said.

These requirements add friction to financial transactions and flows, affecting trade, payments and investment.

It should be noted that the removal of legislative obligations on EU financial institutions to conduct enhanced due diligence on South African-related transactions does not compel any financial institutions to rescind their risk assessment policies towards South Africa but allows willing EU financial institutions to adjust their risk assessment policies as they see fit.

South Africa will be entering a new round of evaluation by FATF in the coming months, with a final report scheduled to be presented to the FATF plenary in October 2027. 

Preparation has begun in earnest, incorporating the lessons learnt and experience gained during the process to exit FATF greylisting. – SAnews.gov.za

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