By Levy Masiteng

Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela has outlined a R443 billion medium-term budget to drive South Africa’s post-school education and training priorities, presenting the 2026/27 Annual Performance Plan (APP) to Parliament’s higher education committee on Thursday.

The plan sets targets to support more than 1.15 million university students, enrol over 520,000 students in TVET colleges and fund more than 700,000 students through National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

It also aims to deliver 91,800 workplace-based learning opportunities and 22,000 artisan certifications, while aligning skills development with the just energy transition, the digital economy and industrial policy priorities.

The APP outlines several major delivery priorities for 2026/27, including:

• Support for over 1.15 million university students;

• More than 520,000 TVET college enrolments;

• Over 700 000 NSFAS-supported students;

• Expansion of occupational qualifications and artisan pathways;

• 91 800 workplace-based learning opportunities;

• 22 000 artisan certifications;

• Strengthened alignment with the Just Energy Transition, digital economy, and industrial policy priorities.

“This APP is the operational expression of the national Skills Revolution mandate articulated by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the 2026 State of the Nation Address, and not an isolated administrative document,” Manamela said.

He said the plan marks a shift from compliance-driven planning to measurable outcomes, with a focus on expanding access, improving student success, strengthening TVET colleges and boosting employability.

The minister acknowledged concerns raised by the Auditor-General of South Africa over weaknesses in aspects of the plan, saying corrective measures were under way.

“Producing reports is not performance. Performance is whether students complete, whether artisans qualify, and whether graduates find work,” he said.

The department is finalising service level agreements with Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) to strengthen accountability and coordination, and is standardising data definitions and verification processes across the system.

Manamela said the department remained focused on ensuring that public investment translates into tangible opportunities for young people.

Director-General Nkosinathi Sishi presented detailed performance indicators and implementation plans to lawmakers, including responses to the Auditor-General’s findings.

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By Akani Nkuna

President Cyril Ramaphosa has proclaimed the 2026 municipal elections, clearing the way for the official gazetting of the poll date and setting the stage for voters to head to the ballot later this year.

He announced that the Local Government Elections will be held on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, describing the timing as strategically chosen to maximise voter participation.

A voter registration weekend has been set for 20–21 June, as government ramps up efforts to counter growing concerns over voter apathy.

“The proposed date falls on a Wednesday and outside the festive period, which will improve voter turnout while having minimal impact on schooling and travel,” Ramaphosa said.

The announcement was made during his closing remarks at the Extended Presidential Coordinating Council (PCC) meeting in Boksburg, Gauteng, on Thursday.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, also speaking at the PCC meeting in Boksburg, said the 4 November date was selected to avoid overlap with the festive season and the January back-to-school period, allowing the education sector to plan accordingly.

“The earliest opportunity was the first of November,” Hlabisa said, adding that the Department of Basic Education would adjust its examination timetable to minimise disruption.

He said the department was expected to finalise its plans by the end of June, including arrangements for first-time voters who will be casting their ballots.

Addressing voter apathy, Hlabisa expressed confidence that citizens would turn out in significant numbers.

“Our people will gain courage from today. Those who have raised concerns about poor basic service delivery will have their time,” he said.

He added that the next five-year term of local government would be shaped by voters’ choices.

Hlabisa also called for peaceful campaigning, urging political parties and communities to uphold democratic principles and ensure that voters can exercise their rights freely.

He said he would convene a meeting with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) to coordinate voter mobilisation efforts.

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By Charmaine Ndlela

South Africa has taken a major step in tackling one of the country’s leading causes of death by launching its first National Diabetes Dashboard, designed to give healthcare workers near-real-time data on patient management.

The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Health, National Priority Programmes and the Wits Diagnostic Innovation Hub, developed the National Diabetes HbA1c Dashboard to strengthen the country’s response to diabetes.

The NHLS said this week that the dashboard marked a significant breakthrough in tackling diabetes, which Stats SA has identified as the country’s leading underlying natural cause of death in 2023.

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The platform integrates expertise from the NHLS Corporate Data Warehouse, National Priority Programmes and the Department of Chemical Pathology at the University of the Witwatersrand.

NHLS CEO Professor Koleka Mlisana said the system uses laboratory data from across the country to provide a near real-time view of diabetes control.

“This platform transforms how we use laboratory data from retrospective reporting to real-time action. It equips healthcare workers with the information needed to respond faster and improve patient outcomes,” she said.

According to the International Diabetes Federation’s (IDF) latest country estimates, South Africa’s adult diabetes prevalence stands at 7.2%, with about 2.3 million adults aged 20 to 79 living with the condition. The IDF estimates that about 1.6 million of these cases are undiagnosed.

Globally, WHO says about 830 million people were living with diabetes in 2022, with more than half of those affected not taking medication for the condition.

The NHLS said the launch comes amid growing calls for urgent and coordinated action, as diabetes is increasingly recognised as a national health crisis.

For the first time, the dashboard offers a near real-time nationwide view of diabetes control, with laboratory data refreshed within 48 hours. This enables healthcare workers to identify high-risk patients earlier and intervene before complications develop.

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Previously, diabetes data was shared through monthly Excel reports, which required manual analysis and often delayed interventions. The new system replaces this with continuously updated data accessible to healthcare practitioners across the country.

“This dashboard represents a significant leap forward in how we use laboratory data to improve patient care. Innovation is central to the NHLS strategy, and this platform demonstrates our commitment to strengthening the health system,” Mlisana said.

The dashboard is also expected to strengthen accountability by allowing health authorities to monitor trends across provinces and target interventions where they are most needed.

The initiative also supports South Africa’s National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases 2022–2027, which aims for at least 50% of patients on treatment to achieve diabetes control.

“By providing near real-time insights, we are empowering healthcare workers to respond faster, intervene earlier, and ultimately improve outcomes for patients living with diabetes,” Mlisana said.

The dashboard is now accessible to healthcare practitioners nationwide, giving frontline workers the tools needed to deliver faster, more effective care.

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By Lebone Rodah Mosima

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation used a Freedom Month event in one of KZN’s most rural municipalities to show how technology can be used to close service-delivery, safety, and youth-opportunity gaps.

Deputy minister Dr Nomalungelo Gina hosted the community engagement on democracy and science at Oqondweni Hall in Mbazwana, where about 250 community members, including young people and older residents, were exposed to government services, SAPS drone technology and internship opportunities through the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC).

Other institutions to take part in the event were the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the Department of Social Development and the Independent Electoral Commission.

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“All the institutions that you see here today are using science, technology and innovation to improve service delivery to communities countrywide. For example, South Africa uses digital technology to manage social grants for millions of citizens because digitalisation increases efficiency and financial inclusion,” Gina told the crowd.

“Access to scientific knowledge, innovation and opportunities is essential for participating fully in our democracy, and for building a more equal and prosperous society,” she said.

Gina said democratic South Africa had, since 1994, invested in science and innovation as tools for transformation, inclusion and development. She said democracy was strengthened not only through political rights, but also through equitable access to knowledge, innovation and practical solutions that respond to everyday community challenges.

Local residents were given the opportunity to interact directly with government departments and agencies on issues including justice, social development, safety, employment and access to public services.

Nqubeko Mbhele, an Information Technology expert at the HSRC, told the community that research helped government better understand people’s needs and improve services in areas such as health, education, safety, jobs and social support.

“From visiting households across the country to strengthening community voices, the HSRC continues to ensure that democracy works for the people by putting their lived experiences at the centre of decision-making,” said Mbhele.

The HSRC also promoted its internship graduate programme, which has benefited more than 7,000 unemployed graduates since 2005 by providing workplace experience and research skills in science, engineering and technology, as well as in humanities and social sciences.

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Mbhele encouraged youth in the area to further their studies so they could access opportunities created through democracy and science-based development programmes.

In one of the most practical demonstrations of the day, Warrant Officer Owen Howard, a SAPS drone pilot in KwaZulu-Natal, flew a Matrice M30 drone fitted with wide, zoom and thermal cameras, as well as a laser rangefinder.

“Years ago, the SAPS did not have this technology to locate a missing person in the bush, for example. Now we can use thermal imaging to help find missing persons without immediately deploying a helicopter,” said Howard.

Resident Lindiwe Mabika said the event gave her useful information about science, technology and future opportunities. Mabika said her main focus was to continue her studies in primary health.

“The information I received today will help me plan for a better future for myself. I am also grateful to have known about the HSRC internship programme. Hopefully, I will be one of its beneficiaries in the future,” said Ms. Mabika.

Senamile Khumalo, 36, from Heifer Project South Africa (HPSA), said communities benefited when they were exposed to information and support that could help them improve their lives.

“I am particularly hopeful that the youth in the area stand to benefit the most. It was also encouraging to hear those government initiatives that can assist in protecting the young and elderly in our community,” Khumalo said.

Khumalo also appealed to young people to join HPSA, a community development organisation that partners with impoverished rural communities to fight poverty through agricultural development.

“At HPSA, we provide rural youth with training support to learn how to take care of livestock and to start their own farming businesses,” she said.

The event also gave Gina an opportunity to assess how science, technology and innovation were being applied in the local municipality to improve service delivery.

The ministry said the engagement demonstrated how the District Development Model could improve socio-economic conditions by aligning local, provincial and national government planning.

uMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality is situated in the north-eastern part of KwaZulu-Natal and has a population of about 163,694 people. The rural municipality is heavily dependent on subsistence farming, with major agricultural initiatives including fruit processing and livestock farming aimed at alleviating poverty.

According to the municipality, 18% of the population has had no formal education, 57% did not complete Grade 12, and only 8% completed Grade 12 or higher.

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By Johnathan Paoli

Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela has accepted a series of resignations from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) board, including acting chairperson Dr Mugwena Maluleke and board member Karabo Mohale, raising concerns about whether the board can continue to function lawfully.

In a statement on Wednesday, ministerial spokesperson Matshepo Seedat said Manamela had accepted the resignations as part of a wave of departures from the scheme’s board.

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“The cumulative effect of these and other resignations has significantly reduced the number of remaining voting members of the Board, raising serious concerns regarding the Board’s ability to continue to constitute itself lawfully and to discharge its statutory and fiduciary responsibilities,” Seedat said.

Maluleke stepped down as both board member and interim chairperson with effect from Monday, citing personal and academic commitments.

Mohale, who chaired the Human Resources and Organisational Development Committee, has also resigned, with the ministry saying it had noted her reflections on institutional challenges, including organisational redesign, executive capacity and governance systems.

The ministry is now assessing the legal and governance implications of the shrinking board, including whether it remains capable of exercising oversight and taking decisions under the applicable legislative framework.

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Seedat said the minister had initiated formal engagement with the remaining board members, giving them an opportunity to make representations on the current situation and propose lawful and practical alternatives to ensure stability.

She said the process was aimed at ensuring procedural fairness before any further action was taken.

The latest departures come amid mounting instability at NSFAS.

Maluleke had only recently assumed the role of acting chairperson in November last year, following the resignation of his predecessor.

His appointment, made by Manamela in terms of the NSFAS Act, was intended to stabilise the board during a turbulent period.

At the time, NSFAS described him as a seasoned educationist and trade unionist with extensive experience in governance, policy development, stakeholder engagement, and organisational leadership.

NSFAS had expressed optimism that his leadership would help strengthen governance and reinforce the scheme’s mandate to support students in need.

Maluleke’s appointment followed the dramatic resignation of former board chairperson Dr Karen Stander, who stepped down with immediate effect late last year.

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In a letter to Manamela before her departure, Stander warned that NSFAS was facing severe governance failures and risked institutional collapse.

She cited allegations of racism, bullying and threats to her family, describing a “toxic environment” that made it impossible for her to continue in her role.

In her resignation letter, Stander also outlined several alleged incidents of interference and procedural irregularities involving senior management and department officials, including what she alleged was the irregular appointment and extension of acting CEO Waseem Carrim’s tenure, as well as attempts to influence the composition of board committees.

Carrim has rejected allegations against him.

Stander further alleged that governance structures were being undermined by efforts to centralise financial decision-making powers and interfere with internal oversight mechanisms.

Despite the leadership turmoil, the department has sought to reassure students and institutions that NSFAS operations remain unaffected, with funding disbursements continuing as normal.

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The spokesperson said NSFAS remained central to the government’s efforts to expand access to higher education and that stabilising the institution was a priority.

She said the department would continue engaging Parliament, the National Treasury and other oversight bodies as the process unfolds, and that further updates would be provided in due course.

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By Lebone Rodah Mosima

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has launched a competition that will send 20 South African football supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to watch one of Bafana Bafana’s group-stage matches live.

The department said on Wednesday that the Mzansi to the World Cup “Lucky Fans” Competition was aimed at celebrating the country’s football culture and giving ordinary fans “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the 2026 FIFA World Cup live”.

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The World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with the tournament scheduled to kick off on 11 June 2026. Bafana Bafana are due to open the tournament against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

“Through this competition, twenty (20) passionate South African supporters will be selected to travel to either the United States or Mexico to attend one of Bafana Bafana’s group-stage matches,” the department said.

It said the initiative formed part of its commitment to using sport to unite the country, promote national pride, and showcase South Africa’s energy and spirit on the global stage.

Fans from all 16 PSL clubs will be able to represent their teams, while additional wildcard entries will be included to ensure supporters without club affiliations also have a chance to participate.

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“To enter, members of the public are required to visit the official DSAC website, where they can access the submission link and competition details,” the department said.

Participants must upload a 30-second video at https://dsacevents.dsac.gov.za/DSAC_LuckyFan_WC26/ showing their passion for football, club loyalty, and why they believe they deserve to represent South Africa at the World Cup.

Entries opened at 8 am on Wednesday, 29 April, and will close at 5 pm on Friday, 1 May 2026.

Winners will receive a fully sponsored travel package, including international flights, accommodation, match tickets, and ground transport.

The winners will be announced on 5 May 2026 at 8 am.

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By Charmaine Ndlela

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has called for an urgent investigation into alleged irregularities in a R1.6 billion textbook procurement process for Grade 1 to 3 learners.

The move follows a News24 investigation which reported that Lighthouse Publishers (Pty) Ltd — a company with no established publishing track record — was awarded a substantial portion of the tender shortly after its registration.

Gwarube confirmed that she has written to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, requesting the National Treasury to probe the matter.

“I have noted with serious concern media reports containing allegations of procurement irregularities in the textbook procurement process,” she said.

The tender affects learning materials for more than 13.7 million learners, raising concerns about the potential impact on the education system.

According to reports, Lighthouse Publishers was registered just three days after tender specifications were issued, yet received over a quarter of approvals for foundation phase materials — potentially earning more than R285 million.

Gwarube warned that any compromise in the procurement process could have far-reaching consequences.

“Any compromise in the integrity of textbook procurement directly threatens the ability of the education system to function effectively and undermines the constitutional right of every child to access basic education,” she said.

She stressed that the National Treasury, as the custodian of procurement compliance, is best placed to assess the allegations before further action is taken.

“Should the investigation uncover malfeasance, I will not hesitate to act. Any and all those implicated will be dealt with,” she said.

The developments have triggered broader political concern, with ActionSA calling for a transparent and comprehensive investigation into the tender process, stressing the need to safeguard public funds and protect learners’ interests.

In a separate development, Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Social Development has raised alarm over allegations involving the Minister of Social Development.

Committee chairperson Bridget Masango said claims reported by Daily Maverick suggest that a state-paid employee may have been used for private domestic work and allegedly forced to return part of her salary.

“If true, this is not just a technical breach of rules but a violation of public trust. Public money is not personal money,” Masango said.

She added that the allegations raise serious concerns about compliance with the Public Finance Management Act and ethical governance standards.

The committee has requested a full briefing from the department and indicated that the minister will be called to account.

“As part of its oversight responsibility, the committee will formally request a full briefing from the department. The Minister will also be invited to appear before the committee to respond to these allegations,” Masango said.

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By Thapelo Molefe

Nearly half of Gauteng’s public schools are operating above capacity as overcrowding continues to worsen across the province.

Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile, briefing the media on Tuesday, said 1,021 of the province’s 2,111 public schools are over-subscribed, representing 48% of all schools. This includes 41% of primary schools and 64% of secondary schools.

Learner enrolment in the province has more than doubled over the past three decades, rising from 1.4 million in 1995 to 2.8 million in 2026. The system continues to grow by more than 50,000 learners each year, driven by migration and rapid urbanisation.

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“The issue is widespread and systemic rather than isolated to a few districts,” Maile said.

The province faces a shortage of school space, particularly at secondary level, where there is a deficit of more than 88,000 places. At the same time, 252 schools are not at full capacity, highlighting imbalances in learner distribution.

“The rate of infrastructure delivery is not keeping pace with the growing demand for learner placement in the province,” Maile said. 

High-pressure areas include townships and urban centres in Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, where demand continues to outpace infrastructure delivery.

Maile said Gauteng requires at least 200 new schools to stabilise the system, but current funding allows for only about seven new schools to be built each year.

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“We are implementing a range of interventions to expand capacity, but the scale of demand continues to outstrip available resources,” he added. 

To address the crisis, the provincial government is rolling out interventions including new school construction, partnerships with the Development Bank of Southern Africa, and the use of prefabricated classrooms as a temporary measure.

Maile urged communities and the private sector to help protect school infrastructure and support efforts to address the overcrowding.

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