Category: South Africa Government

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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Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has assured the Class of 2025 that not passing the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations does not mark the end of their journey, emphasising that multiple support mechanisms and alternative pathways remain available. 

Addressing learners at the release of the matric results on Monday, the Minister stressed the importance of hope, resilience and seeking support. 

“And to every learner who did not get the result you hoped for: you are not a failure, and your story is not over. There are pathways to improve your results – through rewrites, support programmes and second-chance opportunities. What matters now is that you take the next step, with support, and without shame,” Gwarube said. 

As part of these interventions, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) continues to roll out the Second Chance Matric Programme, which provides structured academic and psychosocial support to learners who wish to rewrite subjects or complete outstanding requirements. 

The programme assists candidates to meet the requirements of either the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or the Senior Certificate (SC), enabling them to obtain a recognised Grade 12 qualification.

Support is offered through a combination of face-to-face classes at centres across the country, as well as online learning platforms, television lessons and radio broadcasts, ensuring access for learners in different circumstances. 

Learners who qualify for the programme may rewrite through the following examination opportunities: 

• NSC supplementary examinations in March. 

• NSC progressed learner examinations in June, for candidates who previously did not sit for all six subjects. 

• Part-time NSC examinations in November, for learners who attempted the NSC after 2015. 

The DBE has reiterated that the Second Chance Matric Programme is provided free of charge, warning learners and parents to be cautious of private or commercial services that charge fees while claiming affiliation with the programme. 

Eligible candidates may register to rewrite or add subjects in line with departmental policies for the May/June examination cycle, without making any payment.  

Registration for the programme opened on 1 October 2025 and will close on 6 February 2026. 

“The department does not endorse any private or commercial services that require payment for participation in the Second Chance Programme,” the DBE said, urging learners to rely only on official platforms for accurate information.

Re-mark or Re-check

In addition, the DBE provides an online service for (NSC) candidates to request a re-mark or re-check of examination scripts. 

In order to request a re-mark or re-check service, candidates must first register on the e-Gov portal at www.eservices.gov.za to create a personal account. This account will allow the candidate to login using their password and usernames to access the service. 

“Registration can be done at either the school or district office in the province or online,” the DBE said.

The opening date for applications for re-marking and re-checking is 13 January 2026 with the closing date set for 27 January 2026 for both manual applications and online applications. 

The fee for re-mark is R120 per subject and re-checking is R30 per subject. The viewing of scripts may only be done after a re-mark or re-check of results. The closing date for applications is 7 days after release of re-mark or re-check results. The fee for viewing is R230. 

Results of remarking will be released from 13 March 2026 and will be available at the school/exam centre where the candidate sat for their 2025 examinations.

The Second Chance programme targets key gateway subjects, including Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, Geography, History, English First Additional Language and Agricultural Sciences. 

Beyond academic support, the initiative also forms part of government’s broader efforts to improve learner retention, align with the National Development Plan, and expose candidates to bursary and further-study opportunities. 

The department has encouraged learners who feel overwhelmed or discouraged by their results to seek guidance from teachers, parents and support services, reminding them that mental wellbeing is a critical part of navigating post-matric options. 

For verified information and registration details, learners are advised to contact the Department of Basic Education directly or visit its official platforms. Learners can use the following contacts: 

• Email: SecondChance@dbe.gov.za 

• SMS/Calls: +27 63 696 7246 (Enquiries) 

• WozaMatrics WhatsApp: 061 505 3023 (Subject-related queries)

– SAnews.gov.za

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North West Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi has expressed his deep sadness upon learning about the passing of Bishop Daniel Matebesi from the Independent Congregational Church of Southern Africa (ICCSA).

Bishop Matebesi passed away on Friday, 9 January 2026, at the age of 66.

The Premier described the late Bishop as a devoted servant of God and a respected leader in both the interfaith community and the broader society. 

He noted that Bishop Matebesi dedicated his life to ministry, providing spiritual guidance, wisdom, and compassion to his congregants and community members. 

Beyond the pulpit, the Premier acknowledged the Bishop’s humility and commitment.

“His consistent involvement in the provincial government’s programmes did not go unnoticed, as he selflessly dedicated his time and contribution to restoring dignity and hope to those in need,” said Mokgosi.  

The Bishop was actively involved in the Premier’s Operation Dignity Programme, serving as a patron of the Gender-Based Violence Forum and as the Chairperson of the Moral Regeneration Movement in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District. 

He was also a well-respected and familiar voice, preaching on the Setswana radio station Motsweding FM during Sunday morning programmes for many years.

“I wish to, on behalf of the North West Provincial Government, extend our heartfelt condolences to the Matebesi family, the faith-based organisations, and all who were touched by his life and ministry. May we all find comfort in the legacy of faith, love and service that Bishop Matebesi leaves behind,” said Mokgosi. 

The Premier will join mourners to pay their respects to Bishop Matebesi during his funeral service on Thursday, 15 January 2026, at Grace Bible Church in Mahikeng. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has welcomed the marginal increase in the pass rate achieved by the 2025 Grade 12 cohort, attributing the steady year-on-year improvement to the solid foundation laid by previous administrations. 

While the 88% is commendable, the committee highlighted the need for a concerted effort to address the sluggish uptake and throughput in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

“We welcome the increase, especially as it reflects the maturity of the system and work done by the department over the past few years.

“However, the low uptake and throughput in STEM subjects continue to limit the country’s drive towards economic growth, technological development and global competitiveness,” Chairperson of the committee Joy Maimela said on Monday.

The committee agreed with the Department of Basic Education that efforts should be directed towards establishing a technical school in every district to help drive growth in these subjects.

Furthermore, the committee welcomed the overall improvement in performance, noting that the 2025 cohort began their high school journey in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a significant impact on teaching and learning.

The committee also welcomed the progress made across all districts, with every district achieving performance above 80%. 

“The enormous work put in by all stakeholders, including teachers, parents and district officials, has been central to this cohort achieving this important milestone in their basic education journey. May these gains be doubled in the coming years to ensure that our young people receive quality basic education,” Maimela said.

Despite commendable progress in social justice principles within the basic education sector – access, redress, equity and inclusivity – the committee has called for the improvement in efficiency and quality.

The committee highlighted the ever-decreasing number of educators against a growing learner population as a major impediment to quality education. 

“It is unacceptable that while the system caters for an increasing number of learners, teacher posts are not increasing at the same pace. The Department of Basic Education must move with speed to improve quality where challenges exist,” she said.

Regarding throughput, the committee called for renewed focus on understanding and addressing the number of learners who pass Grade 12 compared to those who registered for Grade 1 in 2014.

While noting a marginal improvement in throughput, the committee expressed concern that the number of learners who fall by the wayside remains worryingly high. 

The committee welcomed the assurance by the Minister that there is a renewed focus to understand through data, to find targeted solutions and support to ensure that the system’s health is maintained.

While the committee notes the progress made, it emphasised the importance of a fully functional system.

In this regard, early childhood education and strong support structures at the lower levels of education are critical. 

“Education does not exist in isolation, and the many socio-economic challenges faced by society must be addressed to build a functional, quality education system that produces learners who can meaningfully contribute to the country’s economic development,” Maimela said.

The committee also welcomed progress in no-fee-paying schools, particularly in townships and rural areas, which bodes well for the development of these areas. 

It extended a special commendation to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) for continued excellence even under the challenging circumstances the department faces. 

“The results of the 2025 cohort by KZN highlight what a resilient system can produce,” the Chairperson said.

The committee urged the department to ensure that all its systems are fully in place to allow teaching and learning to start on the first day of school.

These include the timely availability of learning and teaching support materials, adequate teacher provisioning, the protection of learning time, and the effective implementation of the National School Nutrition Programme. –SAnews.gov.za

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Eskom has announced that it has entered the New Year with a “structurally stronger system” than it has in five years.

The power utility said this was the result of the implementation of the Generation Recovery Plan which commenced in April 2023.

Eskom comes into 2026 with an additional 4400 MW of capacity available than it did last year.

“The big picture through the peaks and troughs of delivering the Generation Recovery Plan is that Eskom has moved from a heavily constrained power system to an increasingly stable one, a power system that can reliably deliver 24/7, 365 baseload power,” Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane said.

Results of the delivery of the plan include:

• The Energy Availability Factor (EAF) has risen from 56.03% to 64.55%. During the current financial year, from 1 April 2025 to date, the fleet has achieved or exceeded the 70% benchmark on 55 occasions.
• Scheduled maintenance, also known as Planned Capacity Loss Factor (PCLF), reached a high of 12.76% in Financial Year (FY) 2025 following an intensive period of maintenance, and is currently at 9.32%, trending towards the global-best practice for power systems.
• The Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) declined from 31.92% to 16.02%.
• The savings from diesel usage in FY 2025 were around R16 billion and continues to decrease in FY 2026, due to the reliability of the coal fleet increasing, enabling the safe reduction in the use of the open-cycle gas turbines (OCGTs), which play a vital role in providing emergency support during periods of supply shortage.

“We will now maintain and build upon these early gains through a rigorous focus on operational reliability and sustainability.

“It has been ‘short-term pain for long-term gain’, and I would like to thank the country for its understanding and support, as well as our employees for continuing to deliver on our strategy,” Marokane added.

Furthermore, the R254 billion Eskom Debt Relief package provided by government has reduced the pressure on the power utility’s balance sheet and allowed it to carry out essential maintenance and investment into the fleet.

“A reliable power system is not just measured in megawatts; it is measured in investor confidence.

“The impact of Eskom’s improved performance has contributed towards South Africa receiving its first credit rating upgrade in two decades and the risk rating associated with Eskom’s 2033 bonds has dropped, providing early indicators to investors warming to the turnaround,” Marokane noted. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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