By Levy Masiteng 

Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) has announced a R6 million investment to expand the Kutlwanong Centre for Maths, Science & Technology’s Promaths Programme in kuGompo, Eastern Cape.

According to MBSA, the initiative is aimed at improving Mathematics and Physical Science performance while exposing learners to career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

ALSO READ: Gauteng records 210 055 school applications in four hours

The programme will support selected Grade 10 and 11 learners from 18 feeder schools in the Buffalo City Metro District through supplementary academic tuition, teacher development, career guidance and industry exposure.

“As a company synonymous with innovation and technology, we recognise the importance of STEM education in shaping future opportunities for South Africa’s youth. Through our collaboration with Kutlwanong NPC, we are intentional in our support of learner performance in Mathematics and Physical Science, increasing their exposure to STEM-related pathways,” said Mercedes-Benz South Africa chief executive officer Taryn Woodbridge.

The partnership comes as South Africa seeks to increase the number of people qualified for science, engineering and technology occupations identified as being in high demand.

Founded in 2005, Kutlwanong provides supplementary Mathematics and Physical Science tuition, primarily to learners from township and rural communities.

Its Promaths Programme offers tuition outside normal school hours, while also supporting teachers and helping learners prepare for tertiary education and STEM-related careers.

According to Kutlwanong, the organisation has assisted more than 43,000 township youths and produced more than 13,500 Mathematics and Physical Science distinctions since it was established.

The partners said the expanded programme would provide structured academic support beyond the classroom and expose learners to STEM careers through career guidance and engagement with industry.

Teacher development will also form part of the initiative, according to the partners.

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“We are excited to welcome Mercedes-Benz South Africa as a strategic partner in our mission to improve educational outcomes. Their support enables us to extend the reach of the Promaths Programme, benefiting both learners and educators. Together, we will continue to encourage academic excellence and help more young people realise their potential,” said Kutlwanong Centre for Maths, Science & Technology head of education and acting chief executive officer, Collen Mkhomazi.

MBSA and Kutlwanong said the partnership aimed to improve learner performance and expand access to STEM-related study and career opportunities.

“We are proud to partner with Kutlwanong NPC on this initiative and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on learners and their future prospects,” said Woodbridge.

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By Lebone Rodah Mosima

The Eastern Cape Department of Education has infrastructure commitments of R4.069 billion against an available allocation of R2.319 billion, leaving an estimated R1.7 billion funding shortfall as 320 planned projects remain deferred and numerous disaster-damaged schools await rehabilitation.

In a statement outlining its mid-year performance, the department detailed progress and challenges across its academic, infrastructure, employment and extracurricular programmes.

The department said it remained committed to providing safe, functional and conducive learning environments despite significant fiscal constraints and the growing impact of natural disasters.

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For the 2026/27 financial year, it has been allocated R2.319 billion through the Education Infrastructure Grant for infrastructure development.

This includes R41.5 million received through the Infrastructure Programme Compliance Scoring Incentive System and R354.8 million transferred from the School Infrastructure Backlogs Grant to accelerate the eradication of pit latrines at schools across the province.

The statement separately refers to a R2.389 billion infrastructure programme divided among 24 strategic priorities, although it does not explain the R70 million difference between that amount and the stated R2.319 billion available allocation.

The largest allocations include R508 million for replacement schools and natural-disaster projects, R372 million for sanitation, R266 million for maintenance and additional classrooms, and R267 million for programme support and non-infrastructure activities.

A further R34.5 million has been allocated through the Early Childhood Development Grant for the construction and maintenance of 61 ECD centres during the financial year.

The department said disasters in May 2026 damaged 166 schools, with repairs and reconstruction expected to cost about R455 million.

The June 2025 floods, which claimed the lives of learners, damaged a further 169 schools and require an estimated R472 million for recovery.

However, the department has received only R170 million for disaster recovery, leaving numerous schools awaiting rehabilitation.

The unfunded commitments have affected the department’s infrastructure planning, resulting in the deferment of 320 projects.

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Although R90 million was allocated for planning during the current financial year, the department estimates that about R1.1 billion will be required to implement those projects in future years.

Overall infrastructure commitments now stand at R4.069 billion against the R2.319 billion allocation, resulting in the stated shortfall of approximately R1.7 billion.

Of this, R1.1 billion relates to deferred projects in the planning phase, while R572 million represents reductions affecting projects already under construction in stages five and six.

The department also reported a 0.6 percentage-point decline in Grade 12 performance during Term 1 compared with the same period in 2025.

Term 2 performance declined to 78%, approximately three percentage points below the corresponding 2025 result, prompting the department to call for more intensive academic support during the third term.

It said its intervention programme would focus on strengthening curriculum leadership, improving teacher development, expanding learner-support programmes and increasing monitoring and accountability.

On infrastructure delivery, the department said it completed 177 projects across all education districts during the 2025/26 financial year, including eight new and replacement schools.

It also completed 375 additional classrooms, 25 Grade R classrooms and 94 water infrastructure projects, significantly improving water access in rural communities.

A further 75 maintenance projects and 14 ECD maintenance projects were completed, while improved sanitation facilities, security fencing, electricity upgrades and specialist teaching spaces were delivered at several schools.

Twenty-two school-construction projects remained under implementation at the end of the financial year, providing a pipeline for delivery during 2026/27.

The department said the R354 million received through the School Infrastructure Backlogs Grant had been ring-fenced for the eradication of pit latrines at 123 schools.

However, its 2026/27 programme provides for sanitation infrastructure to be completed at 63 of the 123 targeted schools during the current financial year.

The total amount needed to eradicate pit latrines at all affected Eastern Cape schools is estimated at approximately R3.2 billion.

Between 2025 and June 2026, the department officially handed over 13 newly completed schools, representing an investment of more than R725 million.

The department also highlighted progress under its 2026/27 Annual Recruitment Plan, which covers posts at head office, district offices, schools, youth programmes, hostels and non-teaching support services.

The plan includes 6,683 youth-programme posts, 1,661 non-teaching support posts at schools and 883 hostel-support posts.

Through the Basic Education Employment Initiative, the department created 28,709 employment opportunities across all 12 education districts during the previous financial year.

To date, 975 school-based posts, including principals and Grade R practitioners, have been filled, while a further 1,145 posts have been advertised.

ALSO READ: Gauteng records 210 055 school applications in four hours

The advertised posts include 788 departmental head positions, 210 deputy principal posts and 147 principal posts.

The department also celebrated the Eastern Cape’s performance at the 2026 South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod National Championships, where the province won 13 trophies and finished second overall behind KwaZulu-Natal.

At the separate National Education Excellence Awards, the province received seven awards, while all 12 Eastern Cape districts were recognised for achieving pass rates above 80% in the 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations.

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By Thapelo Molefe

Five teachers at Badirile Secondary School in Khutsong are facing disciplinary action for allegedly failing to report for duty, as the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) moves to restore order at the school following reports of violence, gangsterism and serious misconduct.

Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile said on Tuesday he had instructed the department’s labour relations unit to institute disciplinary proceedings against the five educators after concerns about their attendance emerged during a South African Police Service (SAPS)-led school search-and-seizure operation.

Maile alleged the educators were habitual absentees, with some reportedly arriving only to sign the attendance register or reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol.

“We’ve been told about five notorious educators who don’t come to school, who don’t teach, who go to taverns during school hours. Before I leave, I’m getting a report from the school attendance register because I’m immediately instructing our labour relations to charge and act against them,” he said.

He added that other teachers at the school had submitted a petition raising concerns about the conduct of the five educators.

The department has placed Badirile Secondary School under close monitoring as it works with police to address violence, bullying, gangsterism and poor discipline.

Maile described the school as being plagued by serious incidents, including learners allegedly threatening teachers with criminals and illegal miners.

“There are kids here who threaten teachers that they will call zama zamas and criminals to murder the educators. We’ve got kids here who are gangsters,” he said.

According to Maile, a murder occurred at the school earlier this year, while a recent complaint circulated on social media highlighted allegations of bullying.

He also raised concerns about learners who were attending the school premises but not classes, including an 18-year-old Grade 9 learner who, he said, came to school primarily to access meals without participating in lessons.

The school is currently without a principal. Maile said he had instructed the district to appoint an acting principal while the recruitment process for a permanent principal is finalised.

“We want to make sure that in the next coming few weeks, there is order here. Apart from crime and violence, bullying and gangsterism, at the centre is ill-discipline,” he said.

The MEC also directed the district director to meet with educators and the school governing body, while a parents’ meeting will be convened as part of efforts to restore discipline.

The operation at Badirile formed part of a broader SAPS-led School Search and Seizure Operation conducted in Khutsong and Orange Farm.

Maile later joined SAPS, the Gauteng Provincial Traffic Police, Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens, private security and other law enforcement agencies at Thetha Secondary School and Duzenendlela Special School in Orange Farm.

The operations included searches, learner screening and engagements with school management to identify safety concerns.

Maile said weapons were recovered at Badirile Secondary School, while dagga was found at another school. At a separate school, officials identified a learner who allegedly stole door and window handles from the premises to sell them.

He said the findings underscored that challenges in schools reflected wider societal problems.

“Schools are a microcosm of society. They reflect what is happening in society. If we don’t solve societal problems, they will find expression in our schools,” he said.

Maile rejected calls for the reintroduction of corporal punishment as a response to ill-discipline, saying teachers should instead exercise effective classroom management.

“We cannot replace wrong with wrong. Corporal punishment was wrong, it will remain wrong. Corporal punishment is violence,” he said.

The search-and-seizure operations form part of the province’s ongoing school safety interventions following complaints about violence and crime at schools.

Maile said similar operations would be conducted regularly in partnership with SAPS and other law enforcement agencies.

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By Lebone Rodah Mosima

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) has encouraged the University of Limpopo’s Centre for Global Change to deepen its engagement with international research networks and position itself as Africa’s leading hub for the emerging field of Exposome Science.

Deputy Minister Nomalungelelo Gina made the remarks during a visit to the Centre for Global Change on Tuesday, where she described the University of Limpopo as a national asset whose role extends beyond teaching to advancing social justice, transformation and development.

“For this reason, government remains committed to strengthening historically disadvantaged institutions and enhancing their capacity to serve as centres of excellence in research, innovation and human capital development,” Gina said.

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“These institutions are central to building an inclusive knowledge economy and ensuring that the benefits of science and innovation reach all communities.”

Gina said the visit coincided with the conclusion of National Science Month, during which the department promoted the role of science, technology and innovation in driving national development.

Referring to the department’s theme, “Putting Science, Technology and Innovation at the Centre of Government, Industry, Education and Society,” she said scientific research is critical to addressing challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, water scarcity and environmental degradation.

“These are precisely the issues that the Centre for Global Change seeks to address through its research and capacity-building programmes,” she said.

“Its work in climate resilience, adaptation, food systems, water security, soil science and sustainable agriculture is not only academically relevant but essential to South Africa’s future development.”

Gina also congratulated the university on graduating the first cohort of students from its Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Short Learning Programme, saying the graduates would help communities, institutions and government respond to the impacts of climate change.

She said the DSTI, through the National Research Foundation, has deliberately invested in building scientific capacity at rural-based and emerging universities.

“The Centre for Global Change stands as a flagship example of this commitment,” she said.

Gina warned that climate change is already affecting communities across South Africa, including Limpopo, which has experienced severe flooding, prolonged heatwaves, increasing pressure on agriculture and worsening water insecurity.

“These challenges threaten livelihoods, weaken developmental gains and place vulnerable communities at greater risk,” she said.

She said South Africa must develop locally relevant, scientifically grounded solutions, with universities playing a central role in producing research, skilled professionals and evidence to inform public policy.

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“They produce the scientists, engineers, planners, environmental specialists and policymakers who will shape our response to climate change,” she said.

“They generate evidence that informs public policy and translate knowledge into practical solutions that strengthen communities.”

Gina said the future of South Africa’s agricultural systems, water resources, biodiversity and rural livelihoods would depend on the quality of research, innovation and partnerships emerging from institutions such as the University of Limpopo.

She urged universities to work more closely with communities, farmers, municipalities and industry to develop climate-smart solutions and promote sustainable resource management.

Highlighting South Africa’s growing role in Exposome Science, Gina said she recently attended discussions at UNESCO in Paris on the rapidly developing field, which examines how cumulative environmental exposures affect human health throughout a person’s lifetime.

“It recognises that our wellbeing is influenced not only by genetics but also by factors such as climate conditions, air and water quality, food systems, occupational environments and the broader social context in which people live,” she said.

“What makes this field particularly important is that it enables scientists to understand how multiple environmental factors interact to influence health outcomes and development.”

She said Exposome Science offers new opportunities to better understand the links between environmental conditions, human health and sustainable development as climate-related risks continue to grow.

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According to Gina, South Africa is among the countries contributing to the expanding global scientific field, creating opportunities for local researchers to shape international knowledge while developing solutions tailored to African challenges.

“The Centre for Global Change is exceptionally well positioned to become a leading African hub in this field,” she said.

“Its work at the intersection of climate change, environmental sustainability, agriculture, water security and community resilience aligns strongly with the objectives of Exposome Science.”

Gina said although the challenges facing the country remain significant, science, innovation and collaboration provide an opportunity to build a more sustainable, resilient and prosperous future.

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By Lebone Rodah Mosima

Gauteng’s online admissions system recorded 210 055 Grade 1 and Grade 8 school applications within its first four hours on Wednesday, according to the provincial Department of Education.

The system opened at 08:00 and had reached the figure by noon, with Education MEC Lebogang Maile urging parents and guardians not to wait until the closing days of the application period.

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The total represents applications submitted to schools rather than necessarily 210 055 individual learners, as parents are required to apply to between three and five schools for each child.

The department said 12 058 parents had already joined the online queue between 07:30 and 07:59, before the system officially opened.

It said the application process had proceeded smoothly without any major technical incidents.

The highest demand during the opening hours was recorded in the Ekurhuleni South and Tshwane West education districts.

Among secondary schools, Hoërskool Langenhoven in Tshwane West received 1 168 applications, followed by Alberton High School with 1 098 and Hoërskool Akasia with 917.

At primary-school level, Rachel de Beer Primary School received 474 applications, Laerskool Akasia received 461 and Laerskool Voortrekker Eeufees received 411.

The figures are expected to change as more parents submit applications during the month-long admissions period.

Gauteng currently provides public education to 2 415 346 learners at 2 111 public ordinary schools across the province’s 15 education districts, according to the department.

The province has 1 417 public primary schools and 694 secondary schools, including 37 Schools of Specialisation.

The department said learner enrolment had increased by more than 23 000 over the past year, equivalent to the capacity of approximately 19 additional schools accommodating about 1 200 learners each.

The Gauteng Online Admissions System was introduced in 2015 to replace physical queues outside schools with a centralised digital application and placement platform.

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The department said the number of learners placed through the system had increased annually for 10 consecutive years, with approximately 400 000 entry-grade learners placed during the 2025 admissions cycle.

Improvements introduced for the 2027 admissions process include greater system stability during periods of high demand, faster processing times, enhanced document verification and automated SMS reminders and notifications.

Parents can also view each school’s Language of Learning and Teaching, Home Language and First Additional Language offerings before submitting an application.

The department said the changes followed consultations with parents, school governing body associations, principals, district officials and provincial call-centre agents.

Maile urged parents and guardians to apply early to allow enough time to upload documents and resolve any outstanding issues.

Parents must complete all five application steps, apply to at least three and no more than five schools, and upload or submit certified supporting documents within seven days of submitting their applications.

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The department also warned parents about fraudsters and scammers who falsely claim to represent it or promise guaranteed school placements in exchange for money.

It said that the online admissions process was free and that no person, company or organisation was authorised to charge parents or influence learner placements.

Parents who need assistance can visit the department’s 48 decentralised walk-in centres, 15 district offices, the provincial head office or any public school in Gauteng.

The department also encouraged young people to assist parents, grandparents and elderly community members who may have difficulty using the online system.

Applications are scheduled to close on Friday, 4 September 2026. Parents and guardians can apply through the official Gauteng admissions website at https://www.gdeadmissions.gov.za./

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