Staff Reporter

Gauteng recorded 414 confirmed malaria cases and 11 deaths in the first three months of 2026, the provincial health department said on Sunday, warning of “alarming” increases in infections and fatalities across the province.

The Gauteng Department of Health said the January-to-March figures were much higher than the same period in 2025, when 230 cases and one death were recorded. For the full 2025 calendar year, the province recorded 666 malaria cases and seven deaths.

ALSO READ: WATCH LIVE: National Education Summit 2026

It said that while the disease is preventable and treatable, “delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to severe illness and death”.

“Recent surveillance data indicate a worrying rise in both malaria infections and fatalities, underscoring the urgent need for strengthened surveillance, early detection and prompt treatment to prevent loss of life.”

The department said the increase could partly be attributed to post-holiday travel.

“This upward trend signals heightened transmission risk, particularly in the early months of the year after the festive season, when many residents travel to malaria-endemic regions, increasing their exposure and risk of infection upon their return.”

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The department said residents must seek urgent medical care if they develop symptoms including fever, chills, headache and fatigue, especially if they have recently travelled to malaria-endemic areas such as Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.

It also called for preventive measures including the use of insect repellent and protective clothing, saying these remain essential to reduce the risk of infection.

It said it would continue monitoring the situation closely and was strengthening public health interventions to control the spread and reduce mortality.  

INSIDE EDUCATION

Education stakeholders from across South Africa have gathered in Sandton on Monday for the National Education Summit 2026, a high-level platform aimed at strengthening the country’s education system and aligning it with economic demands.

At a time when South Africa faces persistent youth unemployment and shifting skills needs, the summit seeks to move the national conversation beyond access to education, focusing instead on outcomes, impact, and accountability.

Hosted by Inside Politics’ sister publication Inside Education, the summit brings together policymakers, educators, industry leaders, and innovators to explore solutions for rebuilding and transforming the education pipeline.

Higher Education and Training Minister, Buti Manamela, will deliver the keynote address, setting the tone for discussions on education reform and the role of vocational and technical training in driving economic growth.

He will participate in a panel discussion on vocational pathways, highlighting their importance in addressing unemployment and equipping young people with relevant skills.

Chairperson of the Inside Education Foundation, Matuma Letsoalo, said the timing of the summit reflects a critical shift in the country’s education priorities.

“We are at a point where the conversation is moving from access to outcomes. While significant progress has been made in expanding access, the key question now is whether the system is preparing young people for meaningful participation in the economy,” Letsoalo said.

He emphasised the urgency of bringing stakeholders together to align efforts and move from discussion to action.

“This summit is about creating a moment of coordination. We need to ensure that education is not only discussed, but engaged with in a way that leads to practical solutions,” he said.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Staff Reporter

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has extended by 30 days the public comment period on the proposed new History curriculum for Grades 4 to 12, after the draft overhaul triggered debate over whether it could narrow perspectives and politicise what pupils are taught.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Department of Basic Education said the initial 30-day comment period, which had been due to close on 19 April, would now run until 19 May.

“The Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, has decided to extend by 30 days the public comment period on the draft History Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) for Grades 4 to 12 due to the public interest this has garnered,” the department said.

It said the decision showed that “there are no preconceived outcomes of this process” and that “public voices will shape the final product that will be produced”.

The department said the extension was granted “in the interests of broadening participation and ensuring that as many voices as possible are heard in a matter of national importance”.

The proposed curriculum has become controversial because critics say its stronger Africa-centred approach could sideline major global historical themes and lower academic standards, while supporters and the department say it is meant to broaden historical understanding rather than erase other perspectives.

Inside Education previously reported that education academic Jonathan Jansen described the proposed overhaul as “anti-intellectual and soul-deadening”.

Concerns have also centred on reports that the draft shifts emphasis away from anchor topics such as the US civil rights movement and the French Revolution in favour of more Africa-focused content.

The department has said the review process has been under way since 2019, when a ministerial task team was appointed to develop a new curriculum.

Provincial consultations were later held across all nine provinces in 2023 and 2024 before the draft was presented to Parliament’s portfolio committee, departmental structures, HEDCOM and the Council of Education Ministers, and then published for public comment in March.

Gwarube has also publicly pushed back against “misinformation” around the draft, saying the final curriculum should be balanced and should not be driven by ideology.

“Our History curriculum should not exclude key events or perspectives on political grounds, nor should it impose any particular ideology on learners,” she said earlier this week.

In Sunday’s statement, the department said it remained committed to a final curriculum that helps learners “think critically, engage evidence seriously, appreciate multiple perspectives, and develop a fuller understanding of South Africa’s past in relation to the wider world”.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Charmaine Ndlela

Education stakeholders from across South Africa will gather in Sandton on Monday, 20 April 2026, for the National Education Summit 2026, a high-level platform aimed at strengthening the country’s education system and aligning it with economic demands.

At a time when South Africa faces persistent youth unemployment and shifting skills needs, the summit seeks to move the national conversation beyond access to education, focusing instead on outcomes, impact, and accountability.

Hosted by Inside Politics’ sister publication Inside Education, the summit will bring together policymakers, educators, industry leaders, and innovators to explore solutions for rebuilding and transforming the education pipeline.

Higher Education and Training Minister, Buti Manamela, will deliver the keynote address, setting the tone for discussions on education reform and the role of vocational and technical training in driving economic growth.

He will also participate in a panel discussion on vocational pathways, highlighting their importance in addressing unemployment and equipping young people with relevant skills.

Chairperson of the Inside Education Foundation, Matuma Letsoalo, said the timing of the summit reflects a critical shift in the country’s education priorities.

“We are at a point where the conversation is moving from access to outcomes. While significant progress has been made in expanding access, the key question now is whether the system is preparing young people for meaningful participation in the economy,” Letsoalo said.

He emphasised the urgency of bringing stakeholders together to align efforts and move from discussion to action.

“This summit is about creating a moment of coordination. We need to ensure that education is not only discussed, but engaged with in a way that leads to practical solutions,” he said.

Letsoalo noted that Inside Education’s role extends beyond reporting on education issues.

“As a publication and a foundation, we are positioned to shape the conversation, connect stakeholders, and elevate critical issues. Our responsibility is to create platforms that encourage informed dialogue and drive real change,” he said.

Among the key issues to be addressed at the summit is the ongoing disconnect between education and the economy. Letsoalo pointed out that while enrolment rates and pass rates often dominate public discourse, less attention is given to whether learners are equipped with skills for employment or entrepreneurship.

He also highlighted early childhood development (ECD) as an area that remains under-prioritised, despite its long-term impact on learning outcomes. In addition, vocational education continues to be undervalued, even though it is essential for building an inclusive and productive economy.

The summit will centre on three core pillars identified by Inside Education as critical to systemic reform: Early Childhood Development, Entrepreneurship Education, and Vocational Pathways.

These pillars are expected to guide discussions aimed at strengthening the link between education and economic growth, while promoting innovation, job creation, and equitable access to opportunities.

Contributing editor at KAndK Media, Thebe Mabanga, said one of the central questions the summit seeks to address is whether South Africa is achieving a meaningful return on investment in education.

“The issue is not just how much is being spent, but what outcomes are being achieved. We need to see improvements in literacy and numeracy, better subject choices, and clearer pathways into careers and skills development,” Mabanga said.

He added that the summit aims to cover the full education spectrum, from foundational learning to workforce readiness.

“ECD is critical for building strong foundations. Entrepreneurship education is an area we are still exploring as a country, and vocational skills are essential in tackling high unemployment. The summit will focus on how we can get each of these right,” he said.

Success, according to Mabanga, will be measured not only by the discussions held on the day, but by sustained engagement and tangible outcomes.

“Success would mean continuing the conversation beyond the summit, uncovering innovative solutions, and ensuring that stakeholders follow through on commitments,” he said.

Outcomes from the summit will be compiled and shared with key stakeholders, including government, with the aim of influencing policy direction and strengthening collaboration across sectors.

According to Inside Education, the summit also aims to foster partnerships and encourage practical action, such as mentorship initiatives, contributions to policy development, and targeted interventions within communities.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Charmaine Ndlela

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has been awarded eight prestigious research chairs under the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI).

The chairs were awarded by the National Research Foundation (NRF) as part of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s Decadal Plan, aimed at supporting historically disadvantaged and emerging institutions.

DUT’s eight chairs form part of a national cohort of 41 newly introduced positions unveiled by Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, at a launch event held in Pretoria.

 The initiative is designed to expand research excellence, develop critical skills, and drive innovation across South Africa’s public universities.

The newly appointed DUT chairs span a wide range of strategic research areas, including sustainable protein innovation, wastewater treatment and reuse, smart manufacturing technologies, inclusive entrepreneurship, education and social justice, biovalorisation, digital transformation, and sustainable infrastructure development.

DUT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement, Fulufhelo Nemavhola, described the achievement as a significant milestone for the institution.

He said the appointments reflect DUT’s growing research profile and its commitment to addressing societal challenges through impactful and solution-driven research.

Nemavhola added that the chairs will play a critical role in strengthening postgraduate training and developing future researchers, while aligning with the university’s ENVISION2030 strategy and the recent establishment of 18 research institutes.

At the launch, Nzimande emphasised that the initiative seeks to broaden access to high-level research opportunities, particularly at institutions that have historically been under-resourced.

 He called on the newly appointed chair holders to prioritise mentorship, especially for young, black and women researchers, and to ensure that research contributes meaningfully to national development.

Similarly, NRF Acting CEO Angus Paterson said the chairs carry the responsibility of building strong research communities and producing knowledge that is both academically rigorous and socially relevant. 

He noted that their impact is expected to extend beyond academia into communities and industry.

Acknowledging the award, the institution said that the achievement marks an important advancement in strengthening research excellence, innovation, and academic leadership.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Charmaine Ndlela

A moment of pride and achievement was cut short at the University of the Free State (UFS) main campus after a student passed away while making her way to her graduation ceremony on Friday afternoon.

The student, from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, was on her way to the Callie Human Centre to receive her qualification when she suddenly collapsed, according to reports.

Emergency services were called to the scene, but despite efforts to assist, paramedics declared her dead on site.

The cause of death has not yet been confirmed, and the woman’s name has not been released.

In a statement, the university extended its condolences to the student’s loved ones.

“The university extends its heartfelt condolences to the student’s family, friends, and fellow students. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time, and we wish them strength as they come to terms with this loss,” the institution said.

The incident has left many on campus shaken, particularly given the significance of the moment.

Graduation is widely regarded as a major milestone, marking years of hard work and achievement. For fellow students and family members who had gathered at the Callie Human Centre, the sudden loss brought shock and deep sadness.

Despite the incident, the graduation ceremony proceeded as planned, a decision often taken by large institutions to avoid disrupting proceedings for thousands of attendees. The death was handled separately on campus.

The university has made counselling services available to students and staff affected by the incident.

The circumstances surrounding the student’s death remain under investigation.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Staff Reporter

The North West Department of Education has urged parents and guardians to register learners for the 2027 academic year before the end of September, warning that delays could complicate school placements and planning for the new year.

In a statement issued on Friday, the department said registration opened on 1 April 2026 and will close on 30 September 2026.

It said early registration helps the department prepare for the new school year by planning and allocating resources to schools more effectively.

The department said parents must submit key documents when applying, including a certified copy of the learner’s birth certificate, an immunisation card, the most recent school academic report card, and, for non-South African citizens, immigration-related documents such as study permits, work permits, residence permits or proof of application.

It also urged school principals and governing bodies to encourage parents to apply within the registration window to reduce pressure on waiting lists.

North West Education MEC Viola Motsumi said parents needed to act within the set timeframe.

“I strongly encourage parents and guardians to comply by registering learners within the stipulated timeframe and to provide the required documentation set by the Department. This will help ensure that all learners are successfully placed and avoid frustration when schools open in January 2027. We must take full responsibility for the future of our children.”

Motsumi said the department wanted schools to begin the academic year without the disruption often caused by late admissions.

“Gone are the days of long queues on the first day of school reopening; we want teaching and learning to begin immediately when schools reopen. Our school principals and School Governing Bodies should work with parents and provide prompt, accurate feedback after learners have been registered. Schools are mandated to work closely with parents and guardians during this registration period,” she said.

The department said admissions would be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Thapelo Molefe

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa demanding urgent clarity on long-running investigations into alleged academic fraud at the University of Fort Hare, warning that delays risk undermining public confidence in government.

In a letter on Friday, EFF leader Julius Malema said the party was concerned about the “prolonged delay” in concluding probes by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into allegations involving senior ANC leaders.

The party named Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, Buffalo City Mayor Princess Faku, and former minister Noxolo Kiviet among those implicated.

“The continued lack of resolution in these matters creates the perception that politically connected individuals are shielded from accountability,” Malema wrote.

“The EFF expects your urgent attention to this matter and a substantive response that reflects a commitment to transparency, accountability and the rule of law.”

The EFF called on Ramaphosa to provide an update on the status of the SIU investigations, ensure there is no political interference, and outline any interim findings ahead of a targeted completion date of September.

According to the party, the SIU probe includes claims that Mabuyane irregularly registered for a master’s degree without meeting requirements and may not have authored his own research proposal.

Kiviet is alleged to have obtained postgraduate qualifications without first completing an undergraduate degree, while Faku allegedly registered for a law degree without meeting entry requirements and completed modules in an implausible timeframe.

The SIU was authorised to investigate the matter under a 2022 proclamation, with its scope later expanded in 2024 to include broader irregularities at the institution.

Mabuyane has rejected the allegations, describing them as “false and without merit”, and confirmed he has opened a defamation case in response to comments made by Malema.

“For the record, I do not hold a master’s degree from the University of Fort Hare,” Mabuyane said, adding that the matter is before the courts and should not be discussed publicly while it remains sub judice.

He accused Malema of a “malicious fixation” and urged him to focus on his own legal challenges following his recent conviction on firearm-related charges.

The ANC in the Eastern Cape backed Mabuyane, welcoming the defamation case and criticising Malema’s remarks as an orchestrated attack.

“Malema is hell-bent on using vilification and slander to attack Cde Mabuyane, knowing very well that the UFH matter is sub judice and before the courts,” the party said.

The latest political clash follows remarks by Malema outside the East London Magistrate’s Court, where he linked policing priorities to the Fort Hare allegations.

Addressing supporters, Malema claimed police were being misdirected away from serious issues.

“You are not supposed to be here. You are supposed to be in the office of Oscar Mabuyane because he stole a master’s at Fort Hare,” he said.

“We are led by fools. That’s why they don’t know how to plan. We are led by fools. That’s why they steal master’s degrees at Fort Hare.”

Malema also criticised the magistrate in his case, alleging bias, and confirmed his intention to appeal both conviction and sentence.

The EFF said failure to act decisively would signal that “integrity and merit can be bypassed through political proximity”, while the ANC maintains the matter should be left to the courts.

INSIDE EDUCATION

By Sihle Mavuso

KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka is facing multiple inquiries after a whistleblower accused him of interfering in a lease process involving a building used by his department.

The inquiries began after the whistleblower sent a letter to the Auditor-General of South Africa, the Office of the Premier in KwaZulu-Natal, the Public Protector and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), among others.

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In the letter, the whistleblower asked the authorities to investigate claims that Hlomuka allegedly arm-twisted departmental staff not to begin the process of notifying the provincial Department of Public Works and Infrastructure that the lease on offices in central Ladysmith, which house uThukela district operations, was due to expire.

According to the whistleblower, the department is paying R1.7 million a month for the building even though it is allegedly in a bad state and does not have the 30 garages for staff that it was said to have.

“There is reason to believe that the continued occupation of this building is being protected from lawful public scrutiny and competitive tender processes,” the whistleblower said.

“It is alleged that the necessary specifications have deliberately not been furnished to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, KwaZulu-Natal, thereby preventing the advertisement of a public bid.

“If correct, this conduct unlawfully shields the current lease from competition and directly undermines the constitutional procurement principles of fairness, transparency, competitiveness, and cost-effectiveness as set out in section 217 of the constitution,” the whistleblower claimed.

The whistleblower also alleged that Hlomuka has a direct interest in the building.

“More seriously, there are grave concerns that MEC Sipho Hlomuka may have a direct or indirect interest in the continued occupation of this building. If this is so, the withholding of specifications would not be an administrative omission, but part of a deliberate scheme to prevent market testing, preserve an existing financial arrangement, and frustrate lawful procurement oversight.

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“This issue warrants urgent forensic examination, including the tracing of any beneficial interests, related-party links, nominee structures, intermediaries, or undeclared financial relationships connected to the property, its ownership, its management, or any person benefiting from the lease,” the whistleblower said in the letter.

Government departments are required to notify Public Works 18 months before a lease expires. In this case, the whistleblower alleged that Hlomuka’s department informed Public Works only last month, even though the lease is due to expire at the end of this month.

According to the whistleblower, that left Public Works with little choice but to allow the department to remain in the building because there was no time to advertise a tender.

The letter also raised separate allegations that Hlomuka abused his authority to help a company called Aphigugu Trading secure a contract in the province’s R2.5 billion school nutrition tender.

According to KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, Hlomuka admitted that he had once been a director of the company, but said he transferred it to his mother when he took public office.

The whistleblower said the allegations warranted a lifestyle audit.

“In light of the above, I respectfully request a full lifestyle audit and asset investigation into MEC Sipho Hlomuka. It has been publicly alleged that he owns or has interests in multiple farms, a club, and a hotel in Ladysmith.

ALSO READ: Gwarube warns against misinformation on draft history curriculum

“The hotel is said to be situated at 39 Azad Avenue, Ladysmith; the club, known as Vida Loca Lounge, is reportedly situated at 8 Egerton Road; and the farms are said to be located within the uThukela and uMzinyathi Districts.

“These alleged interests, together with the apparent scale of his asset base, warrant urgent verification against his declared income, public disclosures, tax position, company records, property records, and any associated trusts, proxies, or business entities.”

The Public Protector, the Office of the Premier and the Auditor-General’s office confirmed that they had received the letter and were looking into the allegations.

“In accordance with PPSA investigation procedures, once a complaint has been lodged with the PPSA, it is screened and assessed to determine jurisdiction and whether there is sufficient information, and substantive reasons as to why the matter should be accepted for investigation, among other things.

“The complaint in question is still at the assessment phase. Should the assessment reveal that there is sufficient information to proceed with an investigation, and it is determined that the Public Protector has jurisdiction to investigate the matter, the complaint will be allocated to a PPSA investigator who then commences the investigation process,” the Office of the Public Protector told Inside Politics.

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure also said it was looking into the matter.

“The department of public works and infrastructure has communicated with the Department of Education that the lease will come to an end on 30 April 2026. Currently we are investigating allegations of parking bays at the leased premises,” the department said.

Hlomuka’s spokesperson, Lungi Mtshali, did not respond to questions from Inside Politics, despite being given four days to do so.

INSIDE EDUCATION