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The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has defended the integrity of its textbook catalogue development process, rejecting claims of impropriety and maintaining that its system is designed to ensure fairness, quality and cost-effectiveness.

This follows criticism from some sections of society questioning the transparency of the processes underpinning the catalogue. 

“The department firmly rejects any insinuation of impropriety and reiterates that its catalogue development framework is founded on a rigorously controlled, anonymised screening process designed to ensure objectivity, fairness, and accountability at every stage,” it said on Tuesday. 

The DBE explained that its catalogue development framework is anchored in a blind screening methodology, which removes all non-curricular identifiers such as publisher and author details during the evaluation process.

“This blind screening methodology not only safeguards the integrity of decision making but also plays a critical role in fostering competitive pricing, thereby directly advancing the department’s strategic objective of achieving more cost-effective and equitable procurement of learning and teaching support materials,” it said.

According to the department, all submitted materials undergo a multi-stage quality assurance process, where they are assessed solely on curriculum alignment and pedagogical merit.

“Only materials that meet this stringent quality standards are considered for inclusion in the catalogue,” the DBE said.
Once materials meet the required standards, pricing is then taken into account, with the most cost-effective options selected.

“Thereafter, pricing considerations are applied, with the three most cost-effective compliant titles selected. In instances where fewer than three submissions meet the required standards, the qualifying one or two titles are automatically included,” the department explained.

Addressing concerns around the Tshivenda Home Language materials for Grades 1 to 3, the DBE said only two submissions met the required standards, making price comparison at the selection stage unnecessary.

“In the specific case of Tshivenda Home Language materials for Grades 1–3, only two submissions met the required quality and curriculum standards. As a result, price comparison at the point of selection was not applicable and a moot exercise.”

The department also responded to concerns regarding pricing by Fulu Publishers, noting that while the issue has been flagged, it did not influence inclusion in the catalogue. 

“While concerns regarding the pricing of materials submitted by Fulu Publishers have been noted, it is important to clarify that such pricing was not determinative for catalogue inclusion and is being addressed through established catalogue processes,” the department said. 

However, the DBE acknowledged that the pricing in question does not align with the intended objectives of the framework.

“The department considers the pricing in question to be excessive and inconsistent with the intent of the catalogue framework, which is to ensure cost-effective access to quality learning materials.” – SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has raised concern over the safety, dignity, and well-being of persons with disabilities as severe and persistent adverse weather conditions continue to affect parts of the country.

The department warned that increasingly frequent and intense climate-related events, including floods and storms, are disproportionately affecting persons with disabilities due to existing social, economic, and infrastructural barriers.

DWYPD Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said people with disabilities face heightened risks during disasters, citing challenges such as limited mobility, lack of accessible transport, and exclusion from emergency planning processes.

She also noted that early warning systems and disaster-related communication often remain inaccessible, leaving many without critical, life-saving information.

“An extreme weather conditions worsen existing health challenges and disrupt access to essential healthcare and support services. Heavy rains, flooding, and strong winds pose a disproportionate risk to persons with disabilities, many of whom face mobility challenges, limited access to emergency services, and barriers to timely information,” Chikunga said.

She said these conditions heighten vulnerability, particularly for those living in informal settlements, rural areas, and under-resourced communities.

The department has called on all spheres of government, including emergency services, and community structures to prioritise inclusive disaster response measures. These include:
•    Ensuring accessible early warning systems, including sign language interpretation;
•    Accessible communication formats, prioritising evacuation support for persons with disabilities;
•    Providing accessible temporary shelters and essential services; and
•    Strengthening coordination with disability organisations on the ground.

The department also urged families, caregivers and communities to check on people with disabilities during this period to ensure no one is left behind in emergency responses.

The Minister emphasised the need for a coordinated and inclusive approach that recognises the specific needs of persons with disabilities and always safeguard their rights and dignity.

“Disaster situations must not deepen existing inequalities of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities. The department will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that inclusive measures are implemented effectively,” Chikunga said. – SAnews.gov.za

Deputy President Paul Mashatiile will conduct an oversight visit to the Ditsobotla Local Municipality (DLM) in the North West on Thursday as part of government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity of municipalities to effectively deliver basic services to communities.

“The visit follows concerns raised by residents of the DLM during the Deputy President’s recent engagement with the community in January 2026. Among the key issues highlighted by community members, were inadequate access to water and sanitation, unreliable electricity supply, poor road infrastructure, and broader service delivery challenges affecting their quality of life,” said the Presidency.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Presidency said the oversight visit forms part of the District Development Model (DDM), which aims to improve cooperative governance by ensuring alignment and integration of national, provincial, and local Government plans. 

“The DLM has been facing persistent governance and service delivery challenges, which led to the National Cabinet placing it under administration in terms of Section 139 of the Constitution. These challenges include financial mismanagement, instability in political and administrative leadership, failure to provide consistent basic services, and deteriorating infrastructure.

“Therefore, this intervention aims to restore functionality, strengthen institutional capacity, and ensure improved service delivery outcomes.”

Through the DDM approach, government seeks to accelerate service delivery, enhance accountability, and ensure that communities receive coordinated and sustainable support.

The programme of the Deputy President’s visit will be preceded by an engagement between the Deputy President and the local traditional leadership as well as an engagement with business fora, spearheaded by Ministers.

During the visit, Deputy President Mashatile is expected to engage with local leadership, including the provincial government, municipal administrators, and other key stakeholders, to assess progress made since the intervention and to identify areas requiring urgent attention. 

He will also interact with community members to provide feedback on Government’s interventions thus far.

The Deputy President will be joined by the Premier of the North West and supported by Ministers and/ Deputy Ministers of Mining and Petroleum Resources; Sport, Arts and Culture, Public Works and Infrastructure; Higher Education; Finance; Agriculture; Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation; Water and Sanitation; Transport; Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment; Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs; Electricity and Energy; Communications and Digital Technologies (DDM Champion); as well as Mayors, Councillors and senior Government officials.

Furthermore, as part of the Clean Cities and Towns Campaign, Ministers will undertake a cleaning Campaign at Matlaba Primary School and Tau Rapulana Secondary School, in the Bodibe Village. –SAnews.gov.za

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Disaster Management Centre has fully activated the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) as severe weather conditions and flooding continue to impact various parts of the metro.

“Teams are actively monitoring the impact of the heavy rains, including damage to infrastructure, affected communities, and disruptions to daily services. Particular attention is being given to roads that have been flooded or closed, with real-time updates informing response and recovery operations,” the Eastern Cape municipality said on Wednesday.

It said that a multi-disciplinary meeting has been convened with all relevant emergency and essential service departments to assess the situation on the ground, coordinate response efforts, and prioritise areas most affected by flooding.

The municipality has urged residents are urged to remain cautious, avoid flooded roads and low-lying areas, and adhere to all safety advisories issued by authorities. 

“Emergency services remain on high alert and are attending to incidents as they arise. Further updates will be communicated as the situation develops,” it said.

READ | Nelson Mandela Bay calls for caution on the roads 

Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) on Wednesday said that weather conditions are expected to begin clearing from the central parts of the country this afternoon, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) said on Wednesday.

READ | Weather conditions expected to start clearing 

In an update, the weather service said weather conditions will begin clearing across Gauteng, North West and the Free State. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), in partnership with the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA), has committed R90 million towards revitalising Community Education and Training (CET) colleges across South Africa.

Deputy Minister for Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, announced the allocation alongside Services SETA Administrator Lehlogonolo Masoga during the launch of an infrastructure upgrade project at Emlandeleni Community Learning Centre (CLC) at Ndwedwe in north of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

The investment will support infrastructure upgrades and enhance teaching and learning conditions at all nine CET colleges in the country – one in each province.

The R90 million will be evenly distributed, with R10 million allocated to each of the nine CET colleges, benefiting not only the main campuses but also their satellite centres across various provinces, which play a critical role in delivering adult education programmes.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to transform CET colleges into key adult education centres that offer ‘second chance’ learning opportunities for out-of-school youth. The initiative aims to reposition these institutions as key drivers of inclusive education and skills development.

Speaking at the event on Monday, the Deputy Minister expressed gratitude to the Services SETA for their support and investment in Community Education and Training sector, highlighting the urgency of tackling the country’s growing cohort of young people not in employment, education or training (NEET).

“We know that our country faces a significant challenge with the NEET cohort, that is, young people and adults not in employment, education or training. We cannot ignore this problem.

“CET colleges demonstrate that it is never too late to learn, rebuild and participate in the economy. Addressing youth unemployment and the lack of opportunities is urgent,” Gondwe said.

Masoga said the investment forms part of the Services SETA’s efforts to enhance access to learning opportunities across different communities.

“Services SETA has taken a deliberate decision to invest in the public education system as part of its contribution to skills development and inclusive access,” Masoga said.

Emlandeleni CLC is among the first beneficiaries of the initiative, receiving R5 million for refurbishment and upgrades. The centre, which has more than 1 000 students, will undergo improvements, including roofing repairs, refurbishment of ablution and training facilities, classroom painting, installation of smart boards, and other urgent needs.

The launch event also saw additional contributions from key stakeholders to support the centre’s development.

The additional support includes:
•    The National Student Financial Aid Scheme donated five laptops to expand access to digital learning programmes.
•    The Fibre Processing and Manufacturing (FP&M) SETA donated 10 sewing machines to enhance practical training, broaden learning, and equip learners with skills for economic participation.
•    Energy and Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSETA) pledged a borehole drilling truck to train youth and community members, improve water access, and enhance practical skills and local services.
•    Old Mutual, in partnership with Services SETA, donated dignity packs to all learners at Emlandeleni CLC.

The Deputy Minister emphasised that the support for Emlandeleni CLC and all CET colleges goes beyond infrastructure upgrades, underscoring the need to restore the prominence of CET colleges within the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector.

“The support is about reaffirming the important role of CET colleges and ensuring they are no longer forgotten in the PSET sector, but recognised as vital institutions in our education system,” Gondwe said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has published an Erratum to the diesel price adjustment published on Monday.

The price adjustments are effective from today.

“During the calculation of fuel prices for May 2026, the additional 93.00 cents per litre reduction in the fuel levy on diesel was erroneously captured as 0.93 cents per litre.

“This resulted in a higher increase in the wholesale price of R6.19 per litre instead of R5.27 per litre for diesel,” the department explained.

The correct adjusted prices for this month are as follows:

• Petrol 93 and 95 (ULP & LRP): R3.27 per litre (p/l) increase.
• Diesel (0.05% sulphur): R5.27 p/l increase.
• Diesel (0.005% sulphur): R5.27 p/l increase.
• Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): R4.22 p/l increase
• Single Maximum National Retail Price for Illuminating Paraffin: R5.63 p/l increase.
• Maximum Retail Price of LPGas: R5.07 per kg increase in Gauteng and R5.78 per kg increase in the Western Cape

“The error is highly regrettable, and the department apologises for any inconvenience caused ahead of the fuel price adjustment.

“The department remains committed to providing timely, accurate and transparent information to the public and all stakeholders,” the DMPR said. – SAnews.gov.za