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The MEC for Education in KwaZulu-Natal, Sipho Hlomuka, has encouraged learners who did not meet the requirements for the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations to take advantage of the department’s Second Chance Programme.

Hlomuka said the programme offers learners a valuable opportunity to rewrite selected subjects and improve their results during the May/June 2026 examination sitting.

“Not achieving the desired outcome in the NSC examinations does not define a learner’s future. The Second Chance Programme is a clear demonstration of our commitment to ensuring that every learner is given an opportunity to succeed,” said Hlomuka.

The MEC announced that registrations for the programme will be open until Friday, 6 February 2026. 

Eligible learners are encouraged to register at their nearest district office or designated centre where they will receive guidance on subject selection, registration requirements, and available academic support.

The initiative will provide structured revision, curriculum-focused support, and access to learning materials to help learners address their weaknesses identified during the NSC examinations.

Hlomuka further called on parents, guardians, and communities to support learners during this process, stressing that collective encouragement plays a critical role in learner success.

“The Second Chance Programme is exactly that, a second opportunity to rise, refocus, and achieve. We urge our learners to seize it with determination and confidence,” he said.

KwaZulu-Natal achieved an impressive 90.6% matric pass rate. 

This stellar performance aligns with a national trend, as the country reached its highest-ever pass rate of 88%, marking a 0.7% increase from 2024.

Despite facing significant budget challenges in 2025, the MEC  said he remains optimistic about the 2026 academic year.

He told SAnews this week that the province has already begun the early opening of schools and is focusing on completing the syllabus ahead of time to allow for revision. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The National Treasury has published the draft General Laws Amendment Bill, in terms of the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing framework, for public comment in the Government Gazette. 

“The draft Bill seeks to strengthen the country’s Anti-Money Laundering and Combating  Terrorism Financing (AML/CFT) system by addressing the remaining deficiencies identified in the 2021 Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Mutual Evaluation Report for South Africa, and also during the remedial process that culminated in South Africa exiting the FATF greylist in October 2025,” National Treasury said.

South Africa was placed on the greylist in February 2023 and has been subsequently delisted after successfully implementing key reforms to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

The draft Bill is an updated version of the draft General Laws (Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing) Amendment Bill, 2024, that was published for public comment on 13 December 2024, as conveyed in Government Notice No. 5683 in Government Gazette No. 51772. 

National Treasury subsequently expanded on the draft Bill to incorporate amendments related to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the conducting of lifestyle audits to continue strengthening the country’s AML/CFT system. 

“These additions will better prepare the country for the next FATF Mutual Evaluation for South Africa that will commence in mid-2026 and conclude in October 2027,” National Treasury said.

The draft Amendment Bill was developed together with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the Department of Social Development, the Financial Intelligence Centre, and financial sector regulators (Prudential Authority and Financial Sector Conduct Authority). 

It proposes amendments to four pieces of legislation that fall under the administrative responsibilities of different Ministers, namely: 

• the Financial Intelligence Centre Act, 2001: Minister of Finance;
• the Financial Sector Regulation Act, 2017: Minister of Finance; 
• the Companies Act, 2008: Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition; and 
• the Nonprofit Organisations Act, 1997: Minister of Social Development.

The sections of the above laws that would be amended in the draft Amendment Bill, if enacted, are the following:

• Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) Act to deal with minor deficiencies relating to targeted financial sanctions in sections 26A, 26B, 28A and 51A;
• Section 40 of the FIC Act to allow the FIC to share information with the Public Procurement Office and the Border Management Authority;
• Section 40 of the FIC Act to authorise the FIC to share information it obtains through conducting lifestyle audits;
• Section 41A of the FIC Act to expand the sections of the Act that the protection of personal information apply with regard to the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013;
• Section 42 of the FIC Act to address minor deficiencies identified with respect to new technologies;
• Section 46 of the FIC Act to address a deficiency relating to customer due diligence measures for anonymous clients;
• Section 30 of the Nonprofit Organisations Act to specify the maximum amount of the fine and years of imprisonment in respect of an offence in terms of the Act;
• Sections 82 and 175 of the Companies Act, 2008 to address deficiencies related to the application of remedial actions and/or dissuasive and proportionate sanctions for non-compliance with beneficial ownership obligations; 
• Sections 2, 3, 58, 106, 108, 111, 131 and 135 of the Financial Sector Regulation Act to close gaps in the protection of financial sector customers, and licensing and regulations for market conduct and anti-money laundering, and to strengthen licensing and enforcement powers; and
• Other technical amendments related to strengthening the country’s anti-money laundering and anti-corruption laws.

The General Laws (Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing) Amendment Bill, 2025 can be accessed on the National Treasury website at www.treasury.gov.za.

It was published as Government Notice No. 6997 in Government Gazette No. 53955 that was published on 14 January 2026. 

The due date for submitting public comments is 13 February 2026. –SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has revealed that the Vaal Dam, one of South Africa’s most critical reservoirs, continues to perform strongly with storage levels remaining above capacity this week. 

According to the department, the latest assessment indicates that the Vaal Dam has recorded a slight decrease, from 103.8% last week to 102.2%, this week. 

However, it remains at satisfactory levels and continues to ensure a reliable water supply to Gauteng and the surrounding provinces.

The report also shows that major reservoirs continue to perform well. Sterkfontein Dam remained stable at 100.1%, Bloemhof Dam showed a marginal increase from 98.0% to 98.2% and Grootdraai Dam has increased from 101.4% to 101.19%.

The department said the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS), a critical water supply system supporting Gauteng and the surrounding provinces, has experienced a slight decrease from 100.8% to 100.1% this week. 

“Despite this marginal decline, the IVRS continues to demonstrate strong performance, with stable storage levels ensuring sustained water availability across the country.” 

Meanwhile, storage facilities associated with the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) also reflect encouraging trends. 

Mohale Dam has decreased slightly from 102.3% to 101.9%, while Katse Dam declined from 100.8% to 99.0%.

While current dam levels remain favourable, the department has reiterated the importance of responsible water use, continuous infrastructure maintenance, and effective demand management. 

“Water supply capacity is influenced not only by storage levels but also by operational efficiency, water conservation practices, and prevailing climatic conditions.” 

The department stated that it will continue to monitor reservoir levels weekly to ensure the stability of water supply capacity and to keep the public informed.

“Overall, these figures demonstrate the strong performance of the national water storage system, supported by consistent inflows and reliable water resource management,” the statement read. 

The department has also underscored that water security in the IVRS should not be viewed solely through the status of the Vaal Dam. 

“The system functions as an integrated network supported by several reservoirs and inter-basin transfer schemes, including the LHWP.” – SAnews.gov.za

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has welcomed the more than R170 million investment by the African Pioneer Group for the Sandy Point Harbour fishmeal plant, located at St Helena Bay, in the Western Cape.

The plant produces a range of fish products for local and export markets.

“This facility is so much more than an expansion of processing capacity. It is a strategic intervention in the small pelagic value chain that strengthens domestic beneficiation, enhances operational efficiency, and positions South Africa to extract greater economic value from each tonne of fish harvested. 

“It strengthens local opportunities without increasing pressure on the resource base. It is a symbol of investment in people, in communities, and in the future of South Africa’s fishing industry, and a bold step towards advancing the objectives of South Africa’s Oceans Economy Master Plan and our broader industrial policy framework,” the Minister said on Thursday.

Addressing the inauguration of the fishmeal plant, Aucamp hailed the investment as it speaks directly to South Africa’s commitment to industrialisation, localisation, job creation and the sustainable utilisation of our marine living resources.

“The more than R170 million investment represented by this facility contributes directly to sustainable industrial growth in a priority coastal node.

“This is the practical expression of the partnership we seek to build between government, science and the fishing industry. A partnership that recognises ecological limits, respects the rule of law, and unlocks inclusive economic opportunity,” he said.

The small pelagic sector remains a pillar of coastal employment, food security, animal feed supply chains and export earnings particularly for the West Coast.

“It is also a sector that is inherently sensitive to environmental variability and climate-driven regime shifts. 

“Recent scientific assessments have confirmed significant fluctuations in biomass and recruitment, most notably the record-low anchovy recruitment observed in 2025 and the persistently low, though cautiously improving, sardine population levels,” the Minister said.

In recent years, the scientific advice has highlighted the importance of diversifying fishing effort towards more abundant stocks, particularly round herring, whose biomass has shown strong performance. 

“This species now plays a critical buffering role in maintaining throughput in the pelagic sector during periods when sardine and anchovy are constrained. Investments such as this fishmeal plant therefore directly support resilience in the sector by enabling efficient processing of a broader species mix, reducing waste, improving turnaround times, and stabilising supply to downstream industries,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

The closing date for the submission of public comments on the Draft Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection has been extended from 31 January 2026 to 15 February 2026.

“On 12 December 2025, the Department invited members of the public to submit comments on the Draft Revised White Paper, recognising that public consultation is a critical component of the policy development process. In order to maximise public participation and inclusivity following the festive season, the department has now extended the deadline to 15 February 2026.

“Since the publication of the Draft Revised White Paper, the department has received valuable written submissions from members of the public and key stakeholders,” the Department of Home Affairs said in a statement.

Comments may be submitted in writing until 15 February 2026 via email to Whitepaper@dha.gov.za or via post to The Director-General, Department of Home Affairs, Private Bag X114, Pretoria, 0001.

“To further enhance public participation, the department is hosting a series of provincial public engagement sessions, as well as a national public consultation, from 15 to 30 January 2026. 

“The Draft Revised White Paper, together with the questionnaire, can be downloaded from the Department’s website at www.dha.gov.za,” the department added. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has deployed two helicopters to evacuate people stranded in Limpopo, due to the severe flooding and rising water levels in the province.

This as President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the province where heavy rainfall and flooding has left at least 19 people dead and caused destruction to homes, businesses and infrastructure.

The search and rescue teams from the South African Air Force’s 17th and 19th Squadrons responded to an emergency rescue activation issued by the Air Force Command Post.

The crew’s mission was to rescue a family from Mbaula village, located outside Giyani, in the Mopani District.

“The community informed the crew that they had rescued several people from the rooftops of their homes and from high-lying areas. One family member was rescued from a tree along the flooded Olifants River, which poses a threat to nearby residents,” the Department of Defence said in a statement. 

Members of the SANDF involved in the operation reported that a local Chief had been rescued from the roof of his house. 

Limpopo and Mpumalanga have experienced heavy rainfall, causing localised flooding, road disruptions, and damage to homes and critical infrastructure in various areas. 

“To this end, three helicopters from bases in Pretoria and Hoedspruit in Limpopo got airborne to conduct rescue operations in flood-affected regions of the Limpopo province.” 

The operation began on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, at 11pm and continued until yesterday at 2am, during which members braved severe weather to rescue people whose lives were at risk of drowning.

Aircrews continue to assist others who are trapped in trees, and those in need of medical attention are being taken to Maphutha Hospital near Phalaborwa.

The ORYX helicopter was also assigned to rescue members of the Border Management Authority (BMA) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) who were surrounded by water at the Pafuri Port of Entry. 

The AGUSTA (A109) helicopter was tasked with hoisting 18 people who needed to be evacuated from the flooded Kambaku River Lodge outside Phalaborwa to safety.

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has urged communities in Limpopo and Mpumalanga to exercise increased caution and implement all necessary safety measures as persistent heavy rainfall continues to affect various areas.

This is after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a Red Level 10 weather alert, due to disruptive rainfall in parts of the two provinces – meaning further rainfall is expected, which will heighten the risk of flooding. 

The President said the damage he had witnessed during his visit was catastrophic.

Read I Damage caused by Limpopo floods “catastrophic”, says President 

“We have just seen the catastrophic damage that has been caused here. We started off in the Vheme District where we saw how a number of houses were flooded and how people have lost their possessions with the huge, huge rains … in this part of our country.

“In the Mopani District, it’s even worse … because there are 36 houses that have just been wiped away from the face of the earth. One five-year-old child has also passed away,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa has visited the Limpopo province where heavy rainfall and flooding has left at least 19 people dead and caused destruction to homes, businesses and infrastructure.

The President, together with Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, visited the Vhembe and Mopani Districts to assess the damage caused by the more than 400mm of rain that fell in the area.

“We have just seen the catastrophic damage that has been caused here. We started off in the Vheme District where we saw how a number of houses were flooded and how people have lost their possessions with the huge, huge rains … in this part of our country.

“In the Mopani District, it’s even worse … because there are 36 houses that have just been wiped away from the face of the earth. One five-year-old child has also passed away,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa noted that government officials have been on the ground “doing everything they can to assist the people who have been affected by the floods”.

“Provincial government…has come out in a very strong way. So much as disaster befalls us with climate change, with rains that are now devastating, we’ve been able to find a response. Of course, we need to do a little bit more.

“And of course, our South African Airforce…came out with their helicopters and rescued a number of people from rooftops and from trees. That shows that our response to disaster is getting better both at the institutional level like the Airforce, the South African Defence Force and also at local government level,” he added.

Read I Minister urges communities to remain vigilant amid further weather warnings 

The President noted that community members have been standing by each other during this time.

“The solidarity and the cooperation that we have seen amongst our people here is quite amazing. We heard how one person was thoughtful enough and threw a rope to people who were stranded. They tied the rope around each other and pulled each other out of what would have been certain death.

“A number of lives that could have been lost here have been saved and we are grateful to our people,” he said.

The President warned that the effects of climate change are now truly beginning to show.

“We are told that we can expect more rain in the coming days and this is the effects of climate change. Climate change is truly with us and those who don’t believe that it is with us, better believe it now, because wiping out of 36 houses when there’s rain has never really been something that we’ve experienced.

“All those households and families are now stranded [and] now have to pick up the pieces of their lives,” he said.

The Limpopo provincial government is expected to brief the media on the heavy rainfall, on Friday. – SAnews.gov.za

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, says the persistent heavy rain that has affected the Kruger National Park underscores the growing challenges posed by climate variability and climate change.

“Extreme rainfall and flooding events are becoming more frequent and severe, placing pressure on infrastructure and visitor safety. These events highlight the importance of resilience and adaptive management in conservation areas,” the Minister said on Thursday.

Persistent heavy rainfall across Limpopo and Mpumalanga has caused river levels to rise significantly, with overflows reported in the Crocodile, Sabie, Letaba, Sand, Luvuvhu, and Limpopo rivers. 

Northern areas such as Pafuri have been particularly impacted, leading to road closures, bridge overflows, and restrictions at several gates, including Crocodile Bridge and Pafuri. 

Access between key regions such as Skukuza, Lower Sabie, and Crocodile Bridge has also been limited. 

The Minister expressed deep concern over the severe weather conditions and flooding currently affecting sections of the Kruger National Park.

“The South African Weather Service has indicated that rainfall is expected to continue intermittently over the coming days, with further localised flooding possible in low-lying areas. While conditions may ease in some southern regions, northern sections of the park remain vulnerable, and visitors are urged to exercise caution and follow official advisories,” Aucamp said.

In response to severe weather warnings, the South African National Parks (SANParks) has activated its crisis management protocols. 

These include precautionary evacuations at vulnerable northern camps such as Shingwedzi, Sirheni, and Bateleur, the deployment of emergency response teams to monitor river levels and infrastructure, and close coordination with local authorities, disaster management centres, and emergency services. 

Continuous assessments of roads, bridges, and camp facilities are being undertaken to safeguard visitors and staff. 

The safety of visitors, staff, surrounding communities, and wildlife remains the highest priority, said the Minister, adding that no fatalities have been reported.

He commended SANParks staff for their dedication, professionalism, and tireless efforts in managing this crisis under difficult conditions. 

“Their swift action has ensured the safety of thousands of visitors and protected critical infrastructure,” he said.

Affected visitors are advised to contact SANParks central reservations at 012 428 9111 for cancellations, rescheduling, or refunds, to monitor official SANParks updates regularly, to heed road closure signs and avoid crossing flooded areas, and to plan conservatively amid changing conditions. –SAnews.gov.za

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has urged communities in Limpopo and Mpumalanga to exercise increased caution and implement all necessary safety measures as persistent heavy rainfall continues to affect various areas.

Communities in the Vhembe, Mopani, Sekhukhune, Waterberg, and Capricorn Districts of Limpopo, as well as parts of the Ehlanzeni District in Mpumalanga – including Nkomazi, the City of Mbombela, and Bushbuckridge – are facing localised flooding, road disruptions and damage to homes and critical infrastructure. 

Schools and clinics in several areas remain closed.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Red Level 10 weather alert due to disruptive rainfall in parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

According to Hlabisa, this means further rainfall is expected, which will heighten the risk of flooding and related incidents. 

“These conditions require vigilance and responsible action from everyone. Communities are urged to follow official guidance and take precautionary steps to protect lives and property,” said Hlabisa.

Yesterday, President Cyril Ramaphosa visited areas in Limpopo that were affected by the floods to assess the extent of the damage and government’s response. He was accompanied by Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, and the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

They inspected Mbaula village in the Mopani District, where more than 38 houses were swept away by the floods, leaving many residents homeless. 

The President began his visit in Tshakhuma, where several houses remain waterlogged.

He assured the residents that the government has allocated resources to assist and rescue those in distress.

Due to ongoing heavy rainfall in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, the Kruger National Park has prohibited day visitors until conditions improve. 

The department has called on traditional leaders, ward councillors, and community organisations to support information sharing and promote adherence to safety guidance within their communities.

The department, through the National and Provincial Disaster Management Centres, remains on high alert and continues to coordinate with all relevant stakeholders to monitor the situation and provide support as needed.

Due to the current weather conditions, CoGTA urges residents in high-risk areas to adhere to the following safety measures:

• Avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and rivers, whether on foot or by vehicle. Move to higher ground when water levels rise or when evacuation instructions are issued by authorities.
• Stay clear of damaged or unstable infrastructure, including weakened bridges, flooded buildings and fallen power lines.
• Keep children and livestock away from flooded areas, streams and drainage channels.
• Monitor weather updates and alerts issued by SAWS, municipalities and disaster management authorities.
• Report flooding, damage or emergencies promptly to local disaster management centres or municipal structures.
• Assist vulnerable community members, including the elderly, persons with disabilities and children, where it is safe to do so.
• Rely on official communication channels and avoid spreading unverified information. – SAnews.gov.za