Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Higher Education and Training is set to establish a War Room for the 2026 academic year in a bid to strengthen stability and responsiveness across the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system.

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela said the War Room will bring together the department’s leadership, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and Community Education and Training (CET) colleges, student formations, and quality councils. The forum will meet weekly to address challenges as they arise.

Manamela said that the initiative is not about “holding more meetings”, but rapid decision-making, problem-solving, and clear communication with stakeholders.

“Through the War Room, we will tackle outstanding issues head-on: from the timely payment of NSFAS allowances, to the accreditation of student accommodation, the finalisation of examination certificates, and the resolution of disputes that can otherwise disrupt teaching and learning.  It will also function as an early-warning system, so that potential triggers of protest or disruption are identified and addressed before they escalate,” Manamela said during a media briefing on Monday.

Manamela described the War Room as a symbol of “a new approach to governance: agile, collaborative, and transparent”.

“It ensures that when problems emerge, no student, no parent and no institution is left without answers. It is one of the ways in which we are demonstrating that readiness is not a once-off announcement, but a continuous commitment to keeping the doors of learning and culture open,” the Minister said.

The Minister acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge, noting that the state of post-school education and training (PSET) is closely tied to the state of the country’s economy, health, democracy, and every other measure of national development.

“But we also know that we can and shall deliver on this dream, not as government alone, but together with the people. As the Freedom Charter proclaimed, and as our democracy demands, the doors of learning and culture shall be opened – not only in 2026, but for generations to come,” the Minister said.

Repositioning SETAs for work transition

The Minister also announced reforms within the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), describing them as a critical bridge between education and the labour market.

“By the end of this week, all SETAs will have fully constituted Accounting Authorities in place, and the process for the appointment of chairpersons will be at an advanced stage of finalisation. This is part of a broader stabilisation effort, ensuring that SETAs can perform their critical mandate without governance paralysis,” the Minister said.

The Minister is scheduled to brief Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Higher Education later this week to account on the changes effected in SETAs and present an overall plan for reforms that will ensure a more efficient, transparent and impactful system.

He emphasised that SETAs play a vital role in creating opportunities for matriculants, unemployed youth, and workers seeking to reskill or upskill.

“Through learnerships, apprenticeships, bursaries and workplace training programmes, SETAs open opportunities in sectors ranging from engineering and construction to ICT, hospitality, health and agriculture,” Manamela said.

He encouraged young people to register on SETA databases, approach accredited training providers, or apply directly for learnerships and bursaries, adding that these opportunities complement NSFAS and institutional funding to ensure that no one is left without a chance to learn, to skill, and to work. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has urged matriculants to explore a range of post-school opportunities, as spaces at universities remain limited.

Speaking at a media briefing on the state of readiness for the 2026 academic year, on Monday, Manamela said the department is projecting about 235 000 first-year university spaces.

“That is a large number, but it cannot absorb every qualifying learner, [and] this is why we stress that learners must apply on time and must explore multiple options. Learners must recognise that SETA’s (Sector Education and Training Authority), 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.

Manamela noted that while access to higher education has improved over the years, dropout rates, especially in the first year, remain high.

He said the department is currently in discussions with institutions to make student success rates more transparent, similar to how Grade 12 results are reported, so that “society can track not only how many enter the system, but also how many succeed.”

Currently, the Minister said the country’s universities accommodate around 1.1 million students, TVET colleges about 527 000, and CET colleges about 130 000 learners.

Through NSFAS, 900 000 students receive bursaries and loans annually, while SETAs provide thousands of learnerships, apprenticeships, and skills programmes every year, to the unemployed, those already in work, and those classified as not in employment, education or training.

“This mix is deliberate – to ensure that the post-school system serves not only the academic elite, but also those who seek practical skills, second chances, or pathways into the labour market,” the Minister said.

Funding mechanisms

On student funding, Manamela announced that the department has developed a mechanism to address the substantial shortfall experienced in the 2025 academic year. 

By reprioritising R13.3 billion within existing resources, the department will support 34 000 students with blocked registrations and 15 000 students with second semester registrations.

This follows commitments made in August to stabilise the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and set in motion a sustainable funding model.

NSFAS will issue a circular on Monday, 15 September 2025, to open its registration portal.

Manamela also assured student accommodation providers affected by delayed or non-payments that they will now receive funds owed for services rendered.

“This marks a significant moment in the stabilisation of NSFAS for the 2025 academic year,” he said.

However, Manamela warned that the scheme remains financially strained due to an increasing number of students qualifying for post-school education and training funding; escalating cost of living, which has expanded the eligibility criteria; and declining state resources in real terms.

“We will later in the year announce steps towards the sustainable funding reforms for NSFAS,” he said.

The Minister is expected to officially launch the 2026 NSFAS application process on Tuesday, 16 September, at the University of Pretoria. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 15, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 15, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 15, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 15, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 15, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

As South Africa marks Public Service Month, President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured citizens that government is hard at work to strengthen the public service system and has reiterated the commitment to closing the skills gaps, rooting out corruption and returning the public service to its core principle: Batho Pele.

The President addressed the nation through his weekly newsletter on Monday. 

He noted that while there are challenges, there are “dedicated public servants who work tirelessly in service of our nation”. 

“We thank them for the work they do to improve the lives of South Africans. But our public service faces significant challenges. These include skills gaps, outdated systems and processes, inconsistent service delivery and corruption. In many parts of the state, the values of Batho Pele – putting people first – have been eroded.

“That is why we are strengthening the professional foundations of our public service. Through the reforms underway we are working to attract the right skills, implement rigorous performance management and create career pathways that reward merit and excellence. Through the National School of Government, we are investing in training and development,” President Ramaphosa said.

September marks Public Service Month in the country which focusses on the “essential contribution” that South Africa’s 1.7 million public servants make to deliver services to South Africans.

READ | Government launches Public Service Month

“It is through public servants that government provides healthcare, education, policing, social services and countless other essential functions that touch every South African’s life. 

“When our public service operates at its best, it is a powerful instrument for social and economic development. When it falters, it is often our most vulnerable citizens who bear the brunt,” he said.

Close collaboration

President Ramaphosa noted that as government works to build a “professional, accountable and capable public service”, the public service must be brought closer to the people it serves.

“We must challenge the idea that public servants are providers and citizens are mere beneficiaries of goods and services. The National Dialogue, which was launched in August, provides an opportunity to change the relationship between public servants and the public,” he said.

The National Dialogue paves the way for South Africans all over the country to meet to discuss the issues they face and find a path to take the country forward.

READ | National dialogue outcomes to be determined by citizens: President Ramaphosa

The dialogues will culminate in a National Convention to be held next year which will “finalise a social compact that outlines clear actions and responsibilities for all sectors of society”.

“The thousands of public dialogues taking place across the country will also provide an opportunity for communities to address the immediate challenges that they face where they live. 

“Through the National Dialogue process, each community is encouraged to work with all relevant stakeholders – ward councillors, municipal officials, civic bodies, community organisations and provincial and national departments – on a common plan to address these challenges.

“By working together in an integrated way, drawing together resources from within and outside the state, these stakeholders can find ways to solve local problems. Public servants have a vital role to play in working towards solutions alongside and in cooperation with communities,” President Ramaphosa noted.

This approach takes a leaf from the District Development Model which emphasises “bringing government closer to the people and ensuring that local needs inform service delivery priorities”.

“It is about building a public service that listens to citizens, adapts to their needs and continuously improves its services. Such a public service requires the active participation of citizens as partners in development, growth and transformation.

“I call on every South African to hold government accountable, to engage constructively with public institutions and to recognise the vital role that a professional public service plays in building the society we all want.

“Together, we can build a public service that serves with excellence and integrity and works with South Africans to realise the promise of a better life for all,” the President concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has called on all South Africans to work together in creating inclusive and safe environments where people with albinism can live with dignity and without fear.

The appeal comes as the country observes National Albinism Awareness Month, marked annually in September to promote understanding, fight stigma, and protect the rights of persons with albinism.

Albinism is a rare, genetically inherited condition that affects the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for colouring the skin, hair, and eyes.

This year’s awareness campaign is being observed under the theme: “Demanding Our Rights: Protect Our Skin, Preserve Our Lives.”

DWYPD Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga, highlighted that people with albinism face not only health challenges, such as sensitivity to the sun and vision impairments, but also harmful discrimination, stigma, and violence.

“This month provides an opportunity for South Africans to raise awareness about the realities of living with albinism, dispel harmful myths, and promote inclusion in education, employment, healthcare, and community life,” Chikunga said.

The Minister also emphasised the importance of advocating for the protection of persons with albinism against discrimination, exploitation, and violence; while also celebrating their diversity by recognising the achievements, talents, and contributions to society.

“Through collaborative efforts, awareness campaigns, and advocacy, we can build a society where diversity is embraced, rights are respected, and every person – regardless of skin colour or condition – is valued. Together, let us stand for inclusion, equality, and the protection of persons with albinism.

“We call on all citizens, communities, schools, faith-based institutions, and the private sector to unite in creating inclusive, safe environments where people with albinism can live with dignity and without fear,” Chikunga said.

The department also urged all stakeholders to align their efforts with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Declaration on the Protection of Persons with Albinism, adopted on 17 August 2024 at the SADC Summit in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The declaration demonstrates commitment by governments to protect the rights of persons with Albinism who are faced with numerous attacks ranging from abductions, killings, maiming, discrimination and trafficking. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng has honoured four officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in the 2025/26 financial year.

Held on Sunday, the ceremony honouring three male officers as well as a female officer was led by Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni.

The four were remembered for their courage, dedication and unwavering commitment to serving and protecting the community of Gauteng with the Commissioner posthumously thanking the officers for serving their country with loyalty, bravery and dedication. 

He also thanked their families for supporting the members during the time when they were out on the streets of Gauteng ensuring that communities are safe. 

“On behalf of Gauteng police management, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to you, their loved ones. Your selfless support and unwavering strength inspired them throughout their career in law enforcement. We are thankful for the time we had with them, and we are honoured that you are here with us today as we salute them for the last time,” he said.

Captain Wynand Du Toit of the Springs Police Station was shot and killed as he intercepted the suspects who were committing a business robbery in Springs on 16 February 2025.

Sergeant Winnie Ntila was shot and killed by the suspects who were committing a house robbery in Vosloorus on 03 September 2024.

Warrant Officer Sello Joel Masedi was knocked down by a car at an accident scene in Mohlakeng while Warrant Officer Mzukisi November was knocked down by a speeding vehicle while conducting a roadblock in Springs.

Lieutenant General Mthombeni assured the families that the SAPS will take care of the educational needs of the children of the fallen heroes and heroine through the SAPS Education Trust. 

On Sunday, 07 September 2025, government hosted the annual South African Police Service Commemoration Day at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

READ | ‘Attacking a police officer is an attack on the State itself’

The day honoured the lives of the 27 police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty during the 2024/25 financial year with Deputy President having issued a  warning against the killing of police officers.

“Let it be clear: attacking a police officer is an attack on the State itself, and it will be met with the full might of the law. We want to make sure that even touching a police officer carries the harshest punishment permitted by our laws, and where possible, tighten these laws,” Deputy President Mashatile said. –SAnews.gov.za