Category: South Africa Government

Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, has announced that only 4 858 learners remain unplaced as part of the 2026 Online Admissions process for Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners.

As of Tuesday, 6 January 2026, the Gauteng Department of Education’s Online Admissions system recorded a total of 4 858 unplaced learners, translating to: 1381  Grade 1 learners  and 3 477 Grade 8 learners. 

“This represents approximately 1.5% of the total 358 574 complete applications received for the 2026 academic year, comprising 175 792 Grade 1 and 182 782 Grade 8 applicants. The department continues to release placement and transfer offers daily, supported by targeted interventions in high-pressure districts, to ensure that all remaining learners are placed as efficiently and fairly as possible, in line with regulated admissions criteria and available school capacity,” the provincial department said on Tuesday.

District breakdown 

Placement data per district indicates that the majority of the remaining unplaced learners are concentrated in urban and metropolitan districts, where sustained population growth and infrastructure constraints continue to place pressure on available school capacity.

According to the department, Ekurhuleni remains the highest-pressure district, with a combined total of 1741 unplaced learners (Grade 1: 381; Grade 8: 1360) in the  Ekurhuleni North District. The Ekurhuleni South District has 1181 unplaced learners (Grade 1: 569; Grade 8: 612), while the Gauteng East District has 247 unplaced learners (Grade 1: 85; Grade 8: 162).

“This results in a total of 3169 unplaced learners in Ekurhuleni, with pressure particularly at Grade 8 level in Ekurhuleni North.”

In the Johannesburg Districts, only two districts account for a significant number of remaining unplaced learners.

The Johannesburg North District has three Grade 8 learners, while the Johannesburg East District has 1173 (Grade 1: 95; Grade 8: 1078), followed by Johannesburg South with 352 (Grade 1: 250; Grade 8: 102). 

Placement pressure remains highest in Johannesburg East, largely driven by demand for secondary school placements,” said the department.

In Tshwane, significant progress in placing learners has been made with only “a minuscule amount of learners to place.”

The Tshwane North District has 14 unplaced learners (Grade 1: 1 and Grade 8: 13).

Meanwhile, Sedibeng and West Rand Districts have also shown tremendous placement progress with comparatively lower numbers as well and are largely stabilised. The Sedibeng East District has only 70 Grade 8 learners still needing placement.

“The department has prioritised Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg as high-pressure districts, with intensified district-based placement, continued release of placement and transfer offers, and strategic utilisation of available capacity across neighbouring schools.”

Late applications

The provincial department said that the late applications period, which commenced on 17 December 2025 and will close on 30 January 2026, has to date recorded a total of 11 183 late applications. 

It comprises 5 701 Grade 1 learners and 5 482 Grade 8 learners.

“All late applications processed during this period result in final placements at the school selected by parents or guardians, subject to available capacity. Parents are advised to visit the selected school from 14 January 2026 to submit all required documentation.”

MEC Chiloane reminded parents and guardians that the 2026 Online Admissions system remains open for Late Applications, particularly for those who did not apply during the main application period or whose applications were incomplete.

Parents and guardians are urged to apply online by registering or logging on to www.gdeadmissions.gov.za. During the Late Application period, only schools with available space will appear on the system. 

Applicants may select one school only, and once selected, the learner will be finally placed for the 2026 academic year. Placements made during this period cannot be declined, and no objections or appeals will be permitted thereafter. 

Appeals and objections 

The provincial department confirmed that a grand total of 6736 placement appeals has been lodged as part of the 2026 Online Admissions process, and only 637 objections await adjudication. 

It further added that the appeals adjudication process is at an advanced stage, with outcomes communicated directly to parents and guardians as finalisation progresses.

The department reminded parents that appeal outcomes are final. 

“We are encouraged by the steady progress made in placing learners across Gauteng. We once again urge parents and guardians to remain patient and cooperative as the Department continues to work tirelessly to ensure that every Grade 1 and Grade 8 learner is placed for the 2026 academic year,” said Chiloane. –SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Special Investigating Unit (SIU) Head, Advocate Andy Mothibi, to serve as the next National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Mothibi will take up the position from February 2026.

“Advocate Mothibi…began his career as a Public Prosecutor in the Johannesburg and Soweto Magistrates and Regional Courts. He also served as a Magistrate in the Johannesburg and Soweto Magistrates Courts. 

“Advocate Mothibi has previously served in various public and private sector roles managing legal, compliance and risk management operations, including at SARS as Head of Corporate Legal Services and Head of Governance,” the Presidency said in a statement on Tuesday.

President Ramaphosa had appointed a six-member Advisory Panel for the Selection of the new NDPP led by Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi.

The panel interviewed six candidates out of some 32 applicants for the position.

“The panel concluded its process and submitted its report to the President on the 12th of December 2025. In its report, the panel advised the President that none of the interviewed candidates were suitable for the role of NDPP. 

“Accordingly, President Ramaphosa has in terms of section 179(1) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, read with section 10 of the NPA Act, 1998 (Act 32 of 1998), decided to appoint Advocate Mothibi.

“President Ramaphosa extends his gratitude to the members of the panel for their counsel and for carrying their task judiciously,” the statement explained.

READ | Candidates scrutinised as interviews for new NPA head commence

Mothibi’s appointment will leave a vacancy at the SIU with Leonard Lekgetho earmarked to be Acting Head also from February.

“Mr Lekgetho is currently serving as the Chief Operations Officer of the SIU. He has over 22 years of forensic investigations experience, including serving as the Forensic Investigator at the then Directorate of Special Operations, which was known as the Scorpions,” the statement read.

Current NDPP Advocate Shamila  Batohi is expected to retire later this month having served a full term in office.

“President Ramaphosa has thanked Advocate Shamila Batohi for her service and contribution to the country’s prosecutions agency and wishes Advocate Batohi well in her future endeavours,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, convened a high-level meeting last night, to receive updates on the deaths of 48 initiates recorded during the 2025 summer initiation season nationwide.

The department stated that the Minister is reviewing the current provincial monitoring plans in the Eastern Cape and Free State, which have recorded the highest number of deaths. This review is expected to continue until the end of January 2026.

This meeting brought together Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Premiers, Members of the Executive Councils (MECs), the President of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), senior government officials, traditional leaders, and representatives from the National Initiation Oversight Committee (NIOC) and Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committees (PICCs).

The gathering follows previous discussions held with District Development Model (DDM) Champions and key stakeholders aimed at addressing the ongoing loss of lives during initiation seasons, which were highlighted in December of last year.

The department reported a high volume of late pre-screenings in the Eastern Cape, particularly in the Amathole, Buffalo City, Chris Hani, and OR Tambo District Municipalities. Nyandeni Local Municipality has been identified as a key area of concern.

“All identified districts will continue intensified monitoring until the end of January 2026, with provincial departments and municipalities providing additional resources. Rescue interventions will be implemented where illegal initiation schools are detected, and the Provincial Initiation Forum has committed to closing such schools and accommodating rescued initiates at designated rescue centres,” the department said.

In the Free State, provincial monitoring will continue until 11 January 2026, focusing on graduation ceremonies and initiation schools in operation, with particular attention to identified hotspot areas.

“The province raised emerging challenges related to cross-border initiation school principals operating along the Lesotho border who evade accountability, as well as incidents of stock theft linked to graduation ceremonies. These matters are under investigation, with arrests already effected.” 

The department stated that both provinces have submitted monitoring and intervention plans. These plans include increased inspections, improved coordination among traditional leadership, health services, the South African Police Service (SAPS), municipalities, and community structures.

They also outline decisive actions against illegal initiation schools and ongoing public awareness campaigns that promote safe and lawful customary initiation practices.

“The meeting emphasised that the success of the initiation process depends on coordinated action by all stakeholders, beginning with families and elders, who play a primary role in safeguarding initiates. Traditional leaders and government were recognised as critical partners in ensuring effective protection systems.”

As government looks forward to the remaining days of the summer initiation season, Hlabisa has called for increased vigilance and intensified monitoring in hotspot areas to prevent any further loss of life.

The Minister emphasised the government’s commitment to ongoing coordination, daily monitoring, and decisive action until the end of the summer initiation season, while also preparing for the upcoming winter season.

He thanked all officials, traditional leaders, and stakeholders for their dedication and sacrifices over the festive period. 

Hlabisa confirmed that a final stakeholder engagement will be convened to consolidate lessons learned and strengthen preventative measures in the future. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has processed 893 847 funding applications for 2026 – prior to the start of the academic year.

“Of these, 593 981 applications (66.45%) were submitted by female applicants, reflecting the ongoing trend of strong female participation in tertiary education. Male applicants accounted for 299 866 applications (33.55%),” NSFAS Board Chairperson, Dr Mugwena Maluleke, said on Tuesday at a media briefing in Pretoria.

To date, 609 653 applications have been approved, with 203 731 applications currently in progress; 16 862 applications have been cancelled, and 49 568 have been rejected after rigorous review.

Among these applications, 520 545 applications are from South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) beneficiaries, and 2 551 applications are from students with disabilities.

“First-time entry students accounted for 766 232 applications, while 125 157 applications came from senior students. In terms of age distribution, we received 428 632 applications from a range of teenagers, 417 823 from individuals in their twenties, 42 186 from those in their 30s, 4 585 from individuals in their 40s, and 621 from applicants aged 50 and above,” Maluleke said.

All funding decisions for 2026 were completed by 31 December 2025. 

The initial release for first-time entering students took place on 15 December 2025, and universities are now able to access funding lists.

“NSFAS has streamlined the appeals process for 2026. The appeals window opens immediately as application outcomes are communicated, with the final deadline for appeals set for 14 January 2026. Outcomes will be communicated by 16 February 2026. Students must submit all supporting documentation within 30 days of their outcome notification,” Maluleke said.

Allowance distribution arrangements 

Maluleke said university-led allowance distribution will be extended through 2026. 

“Monthly remittance returns must be submitted to NSFAS detailing students paid, types of allowances, and dates of payment. 

“Equally important is that accommodation allowances for students in private accommodation will be paid directly to accredited providers, who must enter into legitimate agreements with student occupants,” he said.

NSFAS is implementing a transitional framework designed to facilitate the shift towards a more centralised, transparent, and student-focused accommodation system. 

In alignment with this initiative, all higher education institutions and private accommodation providers are required to adopt the new framework to ensure a seamless process for the allocation and management of accommodation for both new entrants and returning students. 

“As part of this transition, all accommodation dates — including opening, closing, move-in, and move-out periods — will be intrinsically aligned with the academic calendar to prevent students from being stranded at any point during the academic year. 

“We are upgrading the accommodation portal to enable students to apply for accommodation, track their application status, accept offers, and log maintenance issues, all within a single platform. 

“Furthermore, the portal will be integrated with institutional student management systems to facilitate automatic verification of student registration and NSFAS eligibility,” Maluleke said.

In addition, NSFAS will introduce a robust data-driven reporting and reconciliation process, ensuring clear and timely reconciliation between NSFAS and accommodation providers. 

“This will guarantee prompt payment to providers, thereby encouraging their continued participation in the scheme. The upgraded system will generate monthly occupancy and payment reports directly from the central platform,” Maluleke said.

NSFAS will also explore the implementation of an in-house accommodation payment functionality, transferring the payment process from portal providers directly to NSFAS. 

“This enhancement will strengthen financial management and improve the reconciliation of funds disbursed to accommodation providers and students, eliminating the need for third-party payment processing and ensuring greater efficiency and accountability,” Maluleke said.

On 1 February 2026, NSFAS will issue an upfront payment covering the full book allowance and one month of meal, accommodation, personal care, and travel allowances. 

In this regard, universities will be responsible for ensuring correct disbursement to eligible students.

TVET colleges

To support effective cash flow at the commencement of the 2026 academic year, NSFAS will advance tuition upfront payments to TVET colleges on 31 January 2026. 

“The upfront payment will be calculated at 20% of each college’s 2025 tuition allocation. All subsequent tuition payments will be processed based on the submission of valid and verified registration data,” Maluleke said.

The myNSFAS Manager Portal is now open for 2026 registration data uploads. 

Beneficiaries at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges will continue to receive their allowances directly into their personal bank accounts. 

“Colleges are required to ensure that students capture and verify their banking details accurately on the NSFAS portal, as payments will not be made to third-party or institutional accounts.

“NSFAS has communicated a comprehensive schedule to TVET colleges, detailing all tuition and allowance payment dates, as well as registration upload and cut-off deadlines for the 2026 academic cycle,” the Chairperson said.

He emphasised that it is essential colleges submit complete and up-to-date student registration data, including any changes relating to cancellations, dropouts, de-registrations, and other enrolment updates, by the specified deadlines. 

“Registration and student status updates must be managed as a continuous monthly process to ensure accurate funding administration and to prevent incorrect payments or future recoveries.

“Further, the 2026 registration template has been enhanced to allow colleges to indicate students’ accommodation types and participation in occupational programmes, thereby streamlining verification processes and the distribution of funds,” Maluleke said.

Any changes to student registration data must be made only during the designated adjustment periods, which will be announced by NSFAS and are subject to budget availability. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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While enforcement is an important element to road safety, a change in behaviour is key to preventing the loss of lives on the country’s roads.

“Every fatality on our roads is one too many. While our enforcement teams continue to work tirelessly across the province, road safety ultimately depends on the choices each road user makes,” Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku said.

This as the province recorded 25 fatalities on its roads between 29 December 2025 and 4 January 2026.  

The Western Cape Mobility Department reported 23 vehicle incidents that resulted in 25 fatalities on provincial roads.

“Speeding, drinking and driving, and disregarding the rules place lives at risk, not only your own, but those of innocent road users. We remain hopeful that with patience, vigilance and mutual respect, we can still prevent further tragedies on Western Cape roads,” said Sileku.

According to the provincial department, of the 25 fatalities, 12 were pedestrians, and six were motorcyclists, underscoring the ongoing vulnerability of road users outside of vehicles.

During this period, provincial traffic services made 88 arrests, with 65 of these for driving under the influence of alcohol. 

In addition, more than 350 speeding offences were recorded, with the highest speed clocked at 171 km/h in a 120 km/h zone.

To address dangerous behaviour and promote safer travel, 180 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, and speed control operations were conducted throughout the Western Cape. 

Over 36 000 vehicles were stopped and checked, leading to more than 9 000 fines for various traffic violations, including issues related to driver and vehicle fitness.

The department believes that these statistics reflect high traffic volumes as residents and visitors return from holiday destinations both within and outside the province.

The Chief Director of Traffic Management, Maxine Bezuidenhout, emphasised the importance of protecting vulnerable road users.

“Pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists remain among the most vulnerable on our roads. We urge pedestrians to remain visible, cross at safe points and stay alert at all times. Motorcyclists and pedal cyclists are encouraged to wear protective gear, remain visible, and ride defensively, especially in high-traffic conditions. 

“Our teams will maintain a strong presence across the province, but safer roads require cooperation from every road user,” said Bezuidenhout.

As the festive season travel period continues, the department said authorities remain committed to proactive enforcement and public awareness efforts to ensure that everyone reaches their destination safely.

The department continues to call on all road users to:
•    Obey speed limits and traffic laws.
•    Never drive or walk under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
•    Remain patient and courteous during peak travel times.
•    Be especially vigilant in areas with pedestrian activity.
•    Share the road responsibly with motorcyclists and cyclists. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The unilateral military strikes conducted by the United States against Venezuela, along with the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro and his spouse from Venezuelan territory for transfer to the United States, constitute a blatant violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.

South Africa made this assertion during a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting focused on the situation in Venezuela. The statement was delivered by Jonathan Passmoor, South Africa’s Acting Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN. 

The 15-member bloc convened an emergency meeting on Monday in New York City after the United States special forces abducted Maduro and his wife, taking them to the United States early Saturday morning. 

In his first court appearance in New York yesterday, Maduro pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and other charges.

Passmoor informed Member States that history has shown military invasions of sovereign States often lead to instability and exacerbates crises.

“Unlawful, unilateral force of this nature undermines the stability of the international order and the principle of equality among nations. Such use of force also undermines the institutional infrastructure established to regulate relations among nations. 

“We have seen examples of these in Libya, Iraq, and countless cases in Africa, where foreign interventions and interference create security crises and undermine national governance institutions cultivated through nuanced and complex national contexts.” 

Passmoor emphasised that allegations regarding internal governance issues, human rights violations or criminal acts by a Head of State do not justify violating the Charter’s prohibition on the use of force, especially Article 2(4) of the UN Charter.

“The peaceful resolution of disputes and internal matters must proceed in accordance with international law and through multilateral mechanisms.”

According to international law, Passmoor said that a State has exclusive jurisdiction over individuals within its own territory.

“Enforcement of domestic law, including the arrest by one State within the territory of another State without the State’s consent, is an unlawful violation of sovereignty.”

Passmoor said since the establishment of the United Nations, the maintenance of international peace and security hinges on the recognition that no nation is legally or morally superior to another.

“We are all nations born out of different histories and contexts, ascribing to the common values and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. Chief amongst these principles is the sovereign equality of all its members.”

By signing the Charter, he stressed that nations are committed to resolving international disputes peacefully, ensuring that international peace, security and justice are not threatened.

“We have also committed to refrain, in our foreign relations, from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes and principles of the United Nations. 

“The International Court of Justice has also previously affirmed that international law prohibits the use of force and non-intervention in another State’s affairs.”

Passmoor also spoke about a group of concerned Latin American countries that have raised the need to resolve the matter peacefully through dialogue, negotiation and respect for international law, without external interference.

“If we do not stand up to the sovereign rights of any nations or States being undermined and wantonly violated, then which one of us is safe or guaranteed protection by the principles of the Charter and international law?

“Failure to act decisively against such violations is tantamount to inviting anarchy, and normalising the use of force and military might as the main form of discourse in international politics. This would be a regression into a world preceding the United Nations, a world that gave us two brutal world wars, and an international system prone to severe structural instability and lawlessness. We cannot afford to proceed into a complex future without the stability and protection afforded by international law.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Rand Water’s final leg of its planned maintenance programme in Johannesburg kicks off from today with a temporary shutdown of water services that can be expected in parts of the city.

The shutdown is expected to last at least 54 hours and impact water systems including:
•    Meadowlands Reservoir and Direct Feeds: Meadowlands (all zones & extensions), Tshepo Themba, Dube, Central Western Jabavu & Ext.1, Mofolo Central & North, Orlando West, Zondi, and Mmesi Park. 
•    Doornkop Reservoir and Direct Feeds: Dobsonville Gardens, Dobsonville (all extensions), Lufhereng (all extensions), Protea City, Protea Glen (all extensions), Thulani (all extensions), Doornkop(all extensions), Green Village, Slovoville (all extensions), Tshepisong(all extensions), and Leratong Village. 
•    Bramfischerville Reservoir 1&2 and Direct Feeds: Braamfischerville (all extensions), Mmesi Park, Durban Deep, Sol Plaatjies, and Goudrand. 
•    Roodepoort Deep: Hamberg, Rand Leases (all extensions), Discovery Ext.9, Georginia, Roodepoort, and Creswell Park.
•    Fleurhof Reservoir: Lea Glen, Fleurhof (all extensions)

During a media briefing on Monday, Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero explained that as a result of the maintenance, bulk water supply will be reduced and residents should expect low water pressure or outages.

“After maintenance ends and pumping resumes on the 8th of January, the system will not recover immediately. Joburg Water’s infrastructure will require at least seven days to stabilise and recover fully.

“The City, in collaboration with Joburg Water and Rand Water, has implemented extensive operational and contingency plans to reduce the impact of this maintenance.

“Reservoir levels have been managed in advance; response teams are on standby and alternative water will be supplied to affected communities through stationary and roaming tankers during both the maintenance and recovery periods,” Morero said.

He moved to assure that residents will be kept abreast of all developments.

“Communication is a priority. The City and Joburg Water will provide regular updates through councillors’ official platforms and customer notices to ensure communities receive accurate and timely information.

“We have concluded an important meeting with councillors of these areas that are affected and councillors would have started work to communicate directly with communities,” he said.

The city acknowledges the inconvenience and disruptions caused to households, businesses and institutions as maintenance is carried out.

“However, this work is essential to safeguard the City’s long term water security, and we will continue to work with Rand Water and key stakeholders to manage this maintenance – prioritising our residents’ interests,” Morero added. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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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

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