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Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Nomusa Dube-Ncube has called for research that goes beyond identifying challenges in South Africa’s post-school education and training (PSET) system and instead helps dismantle the structural barriers preventing young people from participating meaningfully in the economy.

Dube-Ncube made the call during an inaugural PSET Research Conference held at Coastlands Umhlanga in Durban on Friday, under the theme: “Future-Ready Occupational Training and Transformative Skills for Entrepreneurship and Employability: Innovations Shaping South Africa’s Workforce of Tomorrow.”

The inaugural PSET Research Conference brought together local, regional and international academics, researchers, policymakers, industry experts, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) practitioners to explore innovative approaches to occupational training that address unemployment, promote decent work, and strengthen a future-ready workforce.

The conference provided a critical platform to interrogate the purpose of education and strengthen the link between education, training, and sustainable employment. 

In her address, Dube-Ncube noted that the conference came at a critical time as the country grapples with the persistent challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality, stressing the need for research that does not simply count challenges, but “interrogates causes.”

She said research should help bridge the gap between data and the lived realities of communities, particularly young people who leave education with qualifications and skills but remain excluded from meaningful economic participation.

“This is not a failure of talent; it is a failure of alignment. We are confronted with structural economic crises. What we call mismatch, or hit and miss,” the Deputy Minister said.

Dube-Ncube said the challenge requires the PSET sector to rethink how it prepares young people for the labour market, including strengthening occupational training, entrepreneurship, and partnerships with industry.

She highlighted the need for institutions to be more proactive in responding to skills shortages and changing economic needs, rather than waiting for directives from government.

The Deputy Minister also emphasised that acquiring a technical skill is not enough if graduates lack access to markets, finance, and industrial integration.

“A young person may graduate with a technical skill, but without access to markets, finance or industrial integration, that skill remains dormant.”

She linked the conference theme to the department’s 2026/27 Annual Performance Plan, which is anchored in a reform mandate flowing from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s declaration of a National Skills Revolution during the 2026 State of the Nation Address.

Dube-Ncube said the reform agenda is built around five priorities, including integrating the post-school education and training system into a single coordinated whole; expanding equitable access, particularly for young people not in employment, education or training; improving quality and learning outcomes; strengthening the responsiveness of the system to the economy and labour market; and restoring governance, accountability and public confidence in institutions.

She said these priorities are closely aligned with the conference’s focus on occupational training, transformative skills, entrepreneurship, and employability.

The Deputy Minister also called for a stronger focus on graduate enterprise, rather than measuring PSET success only by the number of graduates who secure employment.

“The more ambitious target is graduate enterprise – TVET and university graduates who go on to create jobs, not simply find them,” Dube-Ncube said.

Dube-Ncube identified Work Integrated Learning, artisan development and the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) as important mechanisms for equipping young people with both technical skills and the confidence and market knowledge required to establish sustainable enterprises.

Dube-Ncube also urged the sector to draw lessons from international models, while developing solutions suited to South Africa’s circumstances.

She pointed to Germany’s dual vocational training system, where apprentices divide their time between vocational institutions and workplaces, with industry playing a key role in curriculum development.

Singapore’s SkillsFuture initiative and Rwanda’s Dual TVET model were also highlighted as examples of stronger cooperation between government, employers, training institutions, and other stakeholders.

“The shared lesson is that wherever occupational training has succeeded, industry has been at the table from the beginning, not invited in at the end,” Dube-Ncube said.

She said research generated through the inaugural conference should not remain confined to academic publications but directly inform government policy and reforms.

Dube-Ncube also encouraged international delegates to work with South Africa in developing solutions suited to the country and the continent, stressing that South Africa is not looking for models to copy, but partners to build with. – SAnews.gov.za

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, will this morning host the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana and a National Treasury delegation at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Pretoria.

Nzimande will host the delegation for a strategic engagement on the role of science, technology and innovation (ST&I) in advancing South Africa’s developmental priorities.

“The visit forms part of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s ongoing efforts to place science, technology and innovation at the centre of government, education, industry and society.

“It will also highlight how the department’s portfolio of entities contributes to inclusive economic growth, improved service delivery and the development of a capable state,” the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za

The National Intervention Unit (NIU) in Pretoria has taken down a wanted and dangerous underground illegal mining kingpin during an intelligence-driven tracing operation in Carletonville, Gauteng.

The operation was conducted as part of ongoing efforts by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to dismantle illegal mining syndicates and disrupt violent criminal activities associated with illegal mining in the Carletonville area.

“Members of the NIU proceeded to a residence on Sunday, where the suspect was believed to be staying. Upon arrival, police announced their presence and identified themselves as police officers.

“The suspect responded by pointing an AK-47 assault rifle at the police. The members were compelled to respond with force, resulting in the suspect sustaining fatal gunshot wounds. An AK-47 rifle and 125 rounds of AK-47 ammunition were seized at the scene.

“The deceased suspect was known to police as one of the dangerous illegal mining kingpins operating in the Carletonville area. He is believed to have played a central role in the ongoing conflict between two rival illegal mining groups in the area,” the NIU said.

The SAPS continues to intensify operations aimed at dismantling illegal mining networks, disrupting the activities of criminal syndicates and restoring law and order in communities affected by illegal mining and associated violence. – SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has concluded public consultations on the proposed 2027/28 Raw Water Use Charges, following a recent National Consultation Meeting held at the OR Tambo Protea Hotel in Johannesburg.

The national consultation formed part of the department’s annual process to determine Raw Water Use Charges, and provided relevant stakeholders and water users with an opportunity to engage on the proposed charges and provide inputs before the final recommendations are submitted to the Minister of Water and Sanitation for consideration and approval.

The consultation process was attended by representatives from various sectors and organisations, including the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), Sasol, Rand Water, uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW), Forestry South Africa (Forestry SA), DRDGold Limited, the Crocodile River Irrigation Board, the South African Association for Water User Associations (SAAFUWA), and other stakeholders.

During the meeting, the department presented the outcomes of the sector-specific consultations, provided feedback on the economic analysis undertaken in relation to the proposed Raw Water Use Charges, and presented the final charges recommended for consideration by the Minister.

The proposed Raw Water Use Charges comprise three key components, including Water Resource Management Charges, Water Resource Infrastructure Charges and the Water Research Levy.

Water Resource Management Charges were presented for the six Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs), including Inkomati-Usuthu, Pongola-uMzimkhulu, Mzimvubu-Tsitsikamma, Limpopo-Olifants, Breede-Olifants and Vaal-Orange, while Water Resource Infrastructure Charges were presented across four sectors, namely Industry and Mining, Strategic Users, Municipal and Agriculture.

The Water Research Levy was presented for the Agriculture, Streamflow Reduction Activities, and Domestic and Industry sectors. The Domestic and Industry category comprises Strategic Users, Municipal, and Industry and Mining.

The determination of Raw Water Use Charges is undertaken within the legislative and policy framework governing water pricing in South Africa, including the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) (NWA), the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999) (PFMA), and the Pricing Strategy for Raw Water Use Charges.

In terms of section 56 of the NWA, the Minister may, with the concurrence of the Minister of Finance, establish a pricing strategy for charges for water use within the framework of relevant government policy. The Pricing Strategy provides the framework for determining charges that contribute towards the funding of water resource management, water resource development and the use of waterworks.

The department said following the conclusion of the consultation process, the recommended 2027/28 Raw Water Use Charges will be submitted to the Minister of Water and Sanitation for consideration and approval.

“Once approved, the Raw Water Use Charges will be published in the Government Gazette and made available on the department’s website. The approved charges will apply from 1 April 2027, while the approved Water Research Levy will take effect from 1 July 2027.

“The publication of the approved charges will provide water users and other affected stakeholders with certainty regarding the charges applicable for the 2027/28 financial year and enable relevant institutions and water users to make the necessary financial and operational preparations,” the department explained.

More information, including the approved Raw Water Use Charges and related documentation, will be made available on the DWS’s website: https://www.dws.gov.za/Projects/WARMS/.

The department encouraged all affected water users and stakeholders to consult the Government Gazette and its website for the approved 2027/28 Raw Water Use Charges and related information, once the process has been concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed government’s commitment to South Africa’s energy reform programme, emphasising the need for an affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity supply for all South Africans.

The President made the remarks during a meeting with Eskom Board Chairperson Mteto Nyati on Thursday, 27 August 2026.

In a statement on Monday, The Presidency said the President reiterated government’s commitment to establish a fully independent Transmission System Operator (TSO) with ownership and control of transmission assets.

The reform is intended to create a level playing field for competition and unlock investment in the electricity sector.

The implementation of the reforms is being developed by the Eskom Restructuring Task Team (ERTT), which will oversee the process.

The task team includes representatives from The Presidency, National Treasury, the Department of Electricity and Energy, Eskom and the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA).

President Ramaphosa further emphasised that the TSO will remain State-owned as a strategic national asset serving the public interest.

“In response to matters of concern raised by the Eskom Board Chairperson, Mr Mteto Nyati, President Ramaphosa reiterated government’s commitment to continue working closely with Eskom, the NTCSA, and other stakeholders to ensure that the reform is implemented in a manner that preserves Eskom’s financial position; ensures that the TSO is able to invest in expanding and strengthening the transmission network, and engages lenders and funders in a transparent and responsible manner,” The Presidency said. 

Nyati confirmed the Board’s strong support for the policy direction determined by government and committed to ensuring continued alignment between the Board and shareholder going forward.

The meeting followed a recent engagement between President Ramaphosa and the leadership of the National Union of Mineworkers and forms part of the President’s commitment to continued engagement with all affected parties throughout the reform process. – SAnews.gov.za

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is recovering well after undergoing a minor surgical procedure and remains in contact with his office, the Office of the Deputy President said.

The assurance follows a Sunday World article about the Deputy President’s health and his absence from some public engagements.

“The Office reiterates the position communicated previously: the Deputy President became unwell while at home in Johannesburg and, under the supervision of his medical team, sought medical attention. He was admitted for a minor surgical procedure and observation, was subsequently discharged, and has continued to receive appropriate medical care and rest,” Mashatile’s office said in a statement on Sunday.

According to the Presidency, his programme and official responsibilities are being managed appropriately during his recovery.

“The Deputy President has joined Parliament and participated in other crucial meetings related to his work through virtual platforms.

“The Office respects the Deputy President’s right to medical privacy and will therefore not comment on speculative or unverified claims.

“We urge members of the public and the media to rely on information issued through official channels rather than speculation or anonymous sources,” the Presidency said.

The Deputy President appreciates the messages of support and well wishes he has received and looks forward to resuming his full programme of official engagements when advised by his medical team, his office said. –SAnews.gov.za