Category: South Africa Government

As the 2026 academic year is set to get underway soon, Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, has urged learners and students to put their best foot forward academically in order to make their dreams a reality.

“My message to students and learners is stay focused [and] study hard. Be curious and don’t be afraid to dream. Dream big. I tell you; education is a weapon you can use to make sure that you become somebody tomorrow,” the Deputy Minister said in an interview with SAnews. 

She added that education has the power to turn one’s fortunes around.

“Education really makes a difference, and it’s able to ensure that even as a woman, you have a brighter future and are not just relegated to the back. If you see me being anybody today, it’s because I worked hard at school and I prize education,” she said.

Last September, the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, said that the department was projecting about 235 000 first-year university spaces. While access to higher education has improved over the years, he noted that dropout rates, particularly in the first year of study, remain high. 

With prospective students likely still looking for spaces at various higher education institutions across the country, Deputy Minister Gondwe urged those still searching to be wary of bogus institutions.

“These are colleges that have not been registered; some are registered, but they are offering programmes that are not accredited. We get a lot of complaints around that from members of the community and students themselves.”

She added that such institutions prey on young people and their parents, noting that the department also engages matric learners on the dangers of bogus colleges.

“We also highlight that you not only lose out on an opportunity to get a proper legitimate qualification, but you also lose out on money and the opportunity to gain employment. We even extended that programme to cover high schools. So, we go speak to students in matric before they come into our sector to warn them about bogus colleges.”

She said that learners and prospective students can write to her helpdesk by emailing  Dmsdesk@dhet.gov.za  or visit the Department of Higher Edication and Training (DHET) website to check registered institutions: https://www.dhet.gov.za/SitePages/DocRegisters.aspx 

At the media briefing held in September, Manamela stressed that the university spaces projected cannot absorb every qualifying learner and that learners should explore multiple options. 

Other options 
“Learners must recognise that SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities), TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges and CET (Community Education and Training) colleges are equally important pathways into work, skills, and further study,” the Minister said at the time.

In the interview with SAnews, Gondwe said that “we are trying to rebrand our community colleges to make them attractive, the same with our TVETs.”

“We still have a lot of students who want to go to university because there’s this misconception that if you end up at a TVET or community college, you’re never good enough for university. We want to make those institutions just as attractive as your universities. 

“Students at community colleges don’t get funding from the NSFAS [National Student Financial Aid Scheme], so what tends to happen is that they have a high dropout rate. So as soon as a student gets a job somewhere, they leave. We are trying to rebrand them, and we want to make a case for them to get more in terms of the budget,” said Dr Gondwe.

The Deputy Minister is also looking to engage with bodies such as the Agricultural Research Council, an agency of the Department of Agriculture, to help community colleges in establishing viable food gardens and similar initiatives. The council conducts research with partners, develops human capital and fosters innovation to support and grow the agricultural sector.

“Community colleges are sometimes frowned upon as if they’re the last frontier.”

While some young people are scrambling to secure spaces at institutions of higher learning, others have not yet been accepted at their universities of choice.

Through the DHET’s Central Application Clearing House (CACH), government provides assistance to matriculants with a second chance to gain entrance into post-school institutions like universities and TVET colleges.

This free service aims to match applicants’ National Senior Certificate exam results (which is received directly from the Department of Basic Education) and study preferences with places that need to be filled.

Public universities, TVET colleges, SETA’s and private colleges access the CACH database via the CACH website (self-service portal on https://cach.cas.ac.za/) to search for individuals that meet the criteria of the spaces still available. 

The system will send SMS or e-mails to those that are made an offer for them to accept or reject the offer. Once the offer has been accepted, Institutions will directly contact those who accepted the offer. 

The Deputy Minister stressed that learners also have the options of SETA’s, TVETs and private institutions.

“And I know that not everybody can afford it; I do know that they do present an alternative in terms of being able to provide someone with access to higher education and training. University is not the only option.”  
The Deputy Minister urged learners who did not pass their matric to enrol at community colleges and rewrite their examinations.

This as Manamela said that more than 130 000 learners were enrolled in CET programmes that range from the Second Chance Matric Programme, adult literacy and numeracy and skills programmes at CET colleges. At the briefing in September 2025, the department said it is working on repositioning CETs as centres of lifelong learning through investment in lecturer training, the timely delivery of learning and teaching support materials, and the rollout of digital access tools to support students, especially those in second-chance matric programmes. 

Last September, the department called for nominations to fill vacancies on CET College Councils across the country. At the time, the department said the call represented an important step in strengthening the governance, accountability, and renewal of the colleges. 

In addition, the country’s 21 SETAs also provide pathways for matric graduates, young people not in employment, education or training, and for workers seeking to reskill or upskill. This is done through learnerships, apprenticeships, bursaries and workplace training programmes in sectors ranging from engineering and construction to information and communications technology (ICT), hospitality, health and agriculture.

The list of the country’s SETA’s can be accessed on: https://www.dhet.gov.za/SitePages/SETAlinks.aspx  

Young people can register on SETA databases, approach accredited training providers, or apply directly for learnerships and bursaries. 

For learners wanting to improve their matric results, the Department of Basic Education’s (DBE) Second Chance Matric Programme is available. It was established in 2016 for learners who would like to improve their results or eventually complete their matric qualification on a part-time basis.  

The aim of the programme is to provide support to learners who have not been able to meet the requirements of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or the extended Senior Certificate (SC). NSC candidates can only register at their nearest district office for the programme.

Eligible individuals may register to rewrite or add subjects without any payment, in accordance with the DBE’s policies for the May/June examination cycle. 

Registration for the programme opened on 1 October 2025 and will close on 6 February 2026.
In addition, the DBE provides an online service for (NSC) candidates to request a re-mark or re-check of examination scripts. This as the DBE is set to release the 2025 Matric Results on Monday, 12 January 2026. Results of the exams will be released to candidates on 13 January 2026.

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.

“Do not despair; reach out to us, and we’ll be able to tell you what the available options are for you. There’s hope for you in this sector,” said the Deputy Minister. 

As learners return to the classroom on 14 January 2026, society can cheer them on in their respective journeys. – SAnews.gov.za 
 

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The City of Johannesburg’s water systems have recovered and are supplying normally, following the third and final phase of the Rand Water maintenance.

The 54-hour maintenance commenced on Tuesday with a temporary shutdown of water services in parts of the city.

“[Full] restoration in certain parts can take up to several days.

“Feed for the Braamfischerville Reservoir [is] back to normal and supplying adequately. Meadowlands Reservoir is also back to normal and supplying fairly. However, the direct feed has not yet fully recovered as full restoration in certain parts can take longer,” Johannesburg Water said in a statement.

Furthermore, the Doornkop Reservoir… direct feed [is] back to normal, the Fleurhof Reservoir is supplying adequately, while the Roodepoort Deep direct feed is now supplying normally.

“Johannesburg Water will monitor the restoration phase and attend to airlocks,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) is inviting young people across the province to apply for opportunities within the YearBeyond Programme.

YearBeyond is a youth service partnership that includes government, the National Youth Development Agency, donors, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). 

The programme, originally initiated in the Western Cape, is now a national initiative that provides unemployed youth aged 18 to 25 with meaningful work experience and a pathway to further studies or employment.

Running from 7 January to 13 February 2026, the #SayYeBo campaign invites young people to apply for a year of structured service – gaining valuable skills and experience while contributing positively to their communities.

Through YearBeyond, young people, known as “YeBoneers,” are placed in education and community-based programmes that respond to real needs. 

These include learner support in schools, early childhood development, libraries and reading initiatives, youth wellbeing and social-emotional learning programmes, play-based activities, and broader social cohesion work. 

Speaking about the campaign this week, Western Cape MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, said the initiative aims to address youth unemployment. 

“Through the YearBeyond programme, we are creating meaningful pathways for young people who may be uncertain about their next steps. The programme provides an opportunity to gain a year’s practical experience, improve their CV and gain important skills which will help them to access future employment opportunities as employees or employers.” 

Mackenzie said the provincial government wants to offer the youth a hand up to help them take the next steps towards becoming independent, thriving adults. 

“Programmes like this give young people options. Without this, many young people might end up in gangs or on the street. I’m proud of this programme in that it provides a pathway to independence and employment,” Mackenzie added.

The MEC also highlighted that YearBeyond reflects the Western Cape Government’s commitment to hope, optimism and practical pathways for youth, offering young people the chance to gain experience, build confidence and develop skills that support their transition into work or further study.

“It is part of our responsibility to give young people the best possible chance to succeed in life – empowering them to uplift their families and make meaningful contributions to their communities,” said Western Cape Premier Alan Winde.

The Premier believes that YearBeyond is a vital investment in the potential of young people, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to secure jobs and thrive, ultimately playing an active role in our economy.

“I urge young people to take full advantage of this incredible programme,” he said.

Young people who are interested in applying are encouraged to:
Create or update their profile on www.sayouth.mobi.
Ensure their address details are correct and up to date.
Log in to the SAYouth.mobi platform and search for YearBeyond.
Open the opportunity card for their municipality and apply.
Select all 2026 YearBeyond programmes that interest them. For more information on qualification criteria, visit: https://www.yearbeyond.org/apply-1. 

Applications close on 13 February 2026. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Border Management Authority (BMA), in close collaboration with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), has intercepted over 20 minors near the Limpopo River close to the Beitbridge border fence.

In the incident on Thursday, officials reported that the children, aged between five and 17, were believed to be travelling from South Africa to Zimbabwe when they were intercepted during routine border safeguarding operations.

Among the group were 10 adults; however, preliminary checks by BMA officials revealed that only one adult was the parent of one of the children. 

The remaining minors were found to be travelling without parental supervision or legal guardianship.

BMA Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, expressed serious concerns about child protection, potential exploitation, and the violation of immigration and child welfare laws as a result of this interception.

“All individuals have been placed under the care of the relevant authorities, and processes are underway to ensure the safety, well-being, and lawful handling of the minors in line with South African laws and international child protection protocols,” Masiapato said in a statement.

The BMA is collaborating closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Social Development, and other relevant stakeholders to verify identities, understand the circumstances surrounding the movement of the children, and identify appropriate interventions.

Masiapato has emphasised the agency’s zero-tolerance policy towards the unlawful movement of children across South Africa’s borders.

“The protection of vulnerable persons, particularly children, remains a priority for the BMA. We will continue to intensify joint operations with our security cluster partners to prevent exploitation and safeguard the integrity of our borders,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has confirmed that a message that is currently circulating on social media platforms warning of a storm dubbed “Storm Baron” is false and should be regarded as a hoax.

“There is currently no tropical cyclone activity over the south-western Indian Ocean, and no officially recognised storm named Baron,” the weather service said on Thursday.

However, an intense low-pressure system is expected to develop over the southern parts of Mozambique in the coming days. 

This system is forecast to then move further south and is expected to bring widespread showers and thunderstorms to the north-eastern parts of the country from early morning Saturday, 10 January 2026, persisting until Thursday 15 January 2026. 

The areas’ most likely to be affected include the escarpment and lowveld areas of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, as well as north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal.

“It must be noted that, at present, there remains significant uncertainty regarding the exact placement of the core of the system, which directly influences where the heaviest rainfall is expected. 

“While several numerical weather prediction models place the system’s core to the east of South Africa, over southern Mozambique, there are those models that indicate it could track much closer to the country,” the SAWS said.

The first scenario would result in relatively lower rainfall amounts, while the second would mean very high amounts, potentially totalling several hundreds of millimetres in some places.

The SAWS continues to closely monitor this situation and will be providing regular updates as new information becomes available. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has announced that the results of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations will be published in accredited newspapers next Tuesday, 13 January 2026. 

On Wednesday, the DBE announced that the results will be presented in the same anonymised format as in recent years, which includes only examination numbers and results – no names, surnames, or ID numbers will be included.

This comes in light of the Information Regulator’s decision to seek permission to appeal a December ruling by a full bench of the Pretoria High Court, which determined that matric results could be published on public platforms using candidates’ examination numbers, as had been done since 2022. 

In 2024, the regulator issued an enforcement notice that prohibited the department from publishing the matric results in newspapers. 

Instead, it stated that the results should be shared in ways that comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), such as allowing students to access their results through their schools or via a secure SMS service from the DBE.

READ | Department welcomes High Court judgement on the publishing NSC results 

However, the DBE stated that, in accordance with its commitment to the rule of law, it is legally required to publish the results in a pseudonymised format. 

The department said this requirement is based on a court order issued on 18 January 2022, which specifically mandates this approach.

“This order remains in force,” the statement read. 

According to the department, the publication of NSC results in accredited newspapers has long been an important and accessible method for learners and parents to obtain results timeously. 

“We will continue to follow the established, court-endorsed practice of publishing the results without identifying learners in a manner that balances accessibility with the protection of personal information.”

Meanwhile, the department further confirmed that it will oppose the application for leave to appeal by the Information Regulator. 

“This opposition is pursued in the best interests of learners, their families, and the education sector. The department remains firmly of the view that the application has no reasonable prospects of success, given the clarity already provided by the courts.

“At the same time, the department emphasises that it holds the highest respect for the Office of the Information Regulator and its constitutional mandate.” 

The department stated that its opposition to the application for leave to appeal should not be interpreted as a “lack of respect” for the Information Regulator. 

“On the contrary, the department values the regulator’s role and looks forward to continued and constructive engagement.” 

The DBE said it remains committed to legal compliance, learner protection, transparency, and accessibility, while ensuring that the rights and dignity of every learner are respected.

The Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube and Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule are set to announce the results of the Matric Class of 2025 on Monday, 12 January 2026. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has issued a recall for NAN Special Pro HA Infant Formula, which is designed for the dietary management of infants at risk of developing a cow’s milk protein allergy.

The product affected is NAN Special Pro HA in the 800g package for children aged zero to 12 months, with the batch number 51660742F3, produced in June 2025.

According to the NCC, this product has been distributed through all major retailers and distributors across South Africa and has been exported to Namibia and Eswatini.

In the meantime, the commission announced that the product recall is due to the potential presence of Cereulide, a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus, which raises food safety concerns.

“The NAN infant formula has a lifespan of approximately 18 months,” the NCC explained.

According to media reports, Nestlé has announced a recall of certain batches of its infant nutrition products, including SMA, BEBA, and NAN formulas, primarily in Europe, due to potential contamination with a toxin that may lead to nausea and vomiting. 

The company, known for a wide range of products from KitKat to Nescafé, stated that no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled items.

The recall was initiated following a quality concern related to an ingredient sourced from a major supplier.

A spokesperson for Nestlé mentioned that the company has begun testing all arachidonic acid oil and associated oil mixtures used in the production of the affected infant nutrition products.

The NCC has advised consumers who have the affected NAN Special Pro HA Infant Formula 800g to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

“The NCC will continue to monitor the matter and engage with the supplier to ensure ongoing compliance with the food safety requirements.” – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has expressed serious public safety concerns after 40 people were reported to have been hit by lightning around Majaneng, a rural village in the Hammanskraal area, near Pretoria, earlier this month.

The lightning observation map for 3 January 2026 (12 pm to 10 pm) showed intense thunderstorm activity over the northern parts of Gauteng, with a high concentration of cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning strikes in and around the highlighted region of interest. 

“This period coincides with the timeframe during which fatalities and multiple hospitalisations were reported at the troupe event. These incidents serve as a critical reminder that lightning poses a real and significant danger, particularly in the eastern half of South Africa, which is one of the most lightning-prone countries in the world” SAWS said on Wednesday.

READ | Condolences for victims of North West lightning bolt incident 

The weather service report indicates that activity peaked between 5pm and 6pm, with 713 strikes (39%). 

“The events were mostly negative cloud-to-ground strokes (1764 negative vs 66 positive), with a mean amplitude of −13.73 kA, though some strong positive strokes reached 54.9 kA, indicating mature storm stages and surface hazard. 

“The negative strokes were much stronger, with maximum of -179.7 kA recorded, indicating an exceptionally powerful lightning strike during the period,” the weather service said.

Lightning occurred at a mean distance of 14.5 km, but the closest strike was 1.4 km, showing direct risk to the settlement.

“The highest lightning densities occur over the north-eastern interior, particularly Mpumalanga, Limpopo and parts of northern KwaZulu-Natal, where values locally exceed 15 to 20 flashes per square kilometre. These regions frequently experience intense summer thunderstorms, driven by strong surface heating, deep atmospheric instability and an influx of warm, moist air from the Indian Ocean,” it said.

Much of the central interior, including Gauteng, the Free State and North West, show moderate lightning activity of approximately five to 10 flashes per square kilometre. 

This reflects the Highveld’s climatology, where afternoon and evening convective storms are common during the summer rainfall season.

Lightning is strongly associated with deep convective clouds, which develop most readily in warm, moist and unstable environments, conditions that are far less common in the western parts of the country.

The public is urged to take lightning warnings seriously. 

“If thunder is heard, it means lightning is close enough to pose a danger. Outdoor activities should be stopped immediately, and people should seek shelter in fully enclosed buildings or inside vehicles with closed windows. 

“People should avoid open fields, hilltops, trees, metal fences, poles, water bodies, and temporary structures. If no shelter is available, individuals should spread out, crouch low with feet together, minimise contact with the ground, and avoid lying flat,” SAWS said.

After a thunderstorm, activities should only resume at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder. 

The SAWS said it is important to note that lightning strike victims do not carry an electrical charge, and it is safe to assist them. 

Emergency services should be contacted immediately, and CPR should be administered if trained to do so.

Lightning-related injuries and fatalities are largely preventable through awareness, preparedness, and timely action.

The South African Weather Service will continue to closely monitor evolving weather and climate conditions and will provide weekly updates and early warnings where necessary to support public safety and preparedness. –SAnews.gov.za
 

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Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, is expected to meet with the leaders of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

This after current SIU Head, Advocate Andy Mothibi, was appointed as the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) at the NPA.

“The Minister will, in the days to come, convene a meeting with the leadership and relevant teams within the National Prosecuting Authority and the Special Investigating Unit to ensure a smooth transition, and to implement the decision of the President [to appoint Mothibi],” a statement from the department noted.

Mothibi’s appointment was announced this week, with effect from February, at the retirement of current head, Advocate Shamila Batohi.

“Minister [Kubayi] also welcomes the appointment of Mr Leonard Lekgetho as the Acting Head of the Special Investigating Unit.

“The Minister notes the confidence expressed by the President in both Advocate Mothibi and Mr Lekgetho, and wishes them well in the execution of their constitutional and statutory responsibilities, which are central to the strengthening of the rule of law and the effective functioning of the criminal justice system,” the department said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za

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