Parliament erupted into a heated debate as MPs confronted one of South Africa’s most contentious education questions, whether the country should finally scrap the idea of the 30% minimum pass level in matric.
South Africa’s latest crime statistics painted a harrowing picture, with nearly 200 rapes recorded on school grounds in the first two quarters of the 2025–2026 reporting year, an indication of the collapse of safety in spaces meant to protect children.
The Free State Department of Education on Monday launched a seven-day Holiday Support Programme for Grade R–9 learners at Tjhebelopele Primary School in Bloemfontein, aiming to keep pupils safe and engaged during the festive season while preparing them for the 2026 academic year.
School violence is a global public health phenomenon. This is when learners and teachers are the victims of physical and psychological abuse, cyber threats and bullying, fights, gangsterism, and the use of weapons at school.
Teachers are “the connective tissue between constitutional aspirations and learners’ lived experiences,” and their voices must shape education policy rather than being reduced to tick-box exercises.
Marking of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination scripts will start on Tuesday 2 December and conclude on 12 December, according to KwaZulu-Natal MEC of Education, Sipho Hlomuka.
Gauteng’s failure to complete key school construction projects is putting readiness for the 2026 academic year at risk, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has warned, citing the provincial government’s own performance figures.
Minister of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Buti Manamela highlighted the importance of skills development and industry partnerships at the launch of the Boilermaker Centre of Specialisation at the Northlink College Bellville Campus.
The female student stood alone holding the handwritten sign, drawing attention from passers-by, before images and videos of the scene were posted on social media.
