Former Auditor-General Terence Nombembe has been appointed chairperson of the University of the Witwatersrand Council for a three-year term, with the option of renewal, the university said on Thursday.

Nombembe was the first black South African to serve as Auditor-General in the institution’s 100-year history and brings extensive experience in governance, ethics and public accountability to the role.

Wits Chancellor Judy Dlamini welcomed the appointment, describing Nombembe as “a wise, accessible and ethical leader”.

“We are pleased to welcome Mr Nombembe to Wits. We look forward to working with him,” Dlamini said.

Nombembe said he was honoured to take up the position and committed to strengthening governance in higher education.

“I am pleased to serve in this role and I look forward to building on the strong governance foundation that Council has established,” he said.

Nombembe served as chief executive of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants from 2014 to 2019.

In 2018, he joined the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, known as the Zondo Commission, as head of investigations, serving until the commission concluded its work in 2022.

He also served on the board of the South African Reserve Bank until 2023 and completed his tenure as chairperson of the Gauteng Ethics Advisory Council in 2024.

“These roles have placed me in good stead to accept this key position in higher education. I believe that universities have a role to play in sustainable nation building and we must safeguard against leadership override of good governance and internal controls,” Nombembe said.

Nombembe holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Transkei and a BCompt Honours degree from the University of South Africa. He qualified as a chartered accountant in 1990.

His career includes senior roles at KPMG, Unilever South Africa and BP Southern Africa, where he gained experience in auditing, financial management and corporate governance.

He has received several honours for ethical leadership and public service, including the Jörg Kandutsch Excellence Award from the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions, as well as honorary doctorates from Walter Sisulu University and the University of Pretoria.

Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal Zeblon Vilakazi described Nombembe as a leader of “exceptional integrity and distinction”.

“We are honoured to welcome him and look forward to working with him in advancing Wits’ mission of academic excellence and societal impact,” Vilakazi said.

The university said Nombembe’s experience and principled approach to governance aligned closely with Wits’ institutional values.

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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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Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has called on all South Africans to take urgent action to build a stronger reading culture by reading at home, supporting book clubs, visiting libraries and sharing books with children.

Gwarube made the call during the national World Book and Copyright Day commemoration held at Cape Town High School and the Centre for the Book in Cape Town.

The DBE said the country’s literacy crisis demands collective action beyond symbolic celebrations.

“Reading must not be reserved for one day on the calendar. It must become part of daily life in every home, every classroom and every community.”

The department together with partners including the National Library of South Africa, Room to Read, the City of Cape Town, Iziko Museums and Book Dash, marked the international observance.

The appeal comes as South Africa continues to battle a literacy crisis among young learners. 

According to the 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), 81% of Grade 4 learners in South Africa cannot read for meaning in any language, which is a statistic that has long raised alarm across the education sector.  

This means many children are entering higher grades without the reading skills needed to succeed academically, making early reading interventions increasingly urgent.

“Simple actions can make a meaningful difference — reading at home, starting reading clubs, visiting libraries, donating books and encouraging children to write and tell their own stories,” the department said.

At the Cape Town event, learners took part in author engagements, storytelling sessions, guided reading activities, book exhibitions and cultural performances, while discussions on copyright awareness highlighted the need to protect the work of authors and creators.

Significant focus was also placed on indigenous languages, with officials stressing that mother-tongue reading improves comprehension, strengthens cultural identity and promotes inclusion.

“Every child must be able to see themselves in the stories they read and hear their own language reflected in books,” the DBE said.

The event also saw support from other stakeholders beyond the DBE. 

In the Western Cape, provincial education authorities challenged learners to read at least one book for pleasure this year.

“Read one book, cover to cover, this year. Not for school, but for the joy of it. And when you have finished that book, read another,” said Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier. 

The National Library of South Africa donated books worth R20, 000 to help strengthen school library resources in the province.  

“Once you create a culture of valuing reading and books, you are actually crafting an individual who will be responsible enough to respect other people’s rights,” said Aphiwe Sigadi, a Cape Town High School teacher. 

Globally, the day proclaimed by UNESCO in 1995 celebrates books, authors, and the protection of intellectual property. 

This year’s international observance also saw Rabat, Morocco, named UNESCO’s World Book Capital for 2026, with global programmes aimed at widening access to books and promoting reading ecosystems.  

The DBE said World Book and Copyright Day should serve not only as a celebration, but as a practical intervention to address literacy poverty and build a generation of readers.

“Through collective effort, South Africa can become a society where reading is part of everyday life,” it said.

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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.

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Free State Education MEC Mantlhake Maboya has expressed shock following the death of a 15-year-old learner during a school sports fixture.

The provincial Department of Education confirmed that Nhlakanipho Buthelezi, a Grade 9 learner at HTS Sasolburg, died after experiencing severe breathing difficulties during a rugby match last Friday.

Buthelezi was playing in an under-15 fixture against Sasolburg High School at DP de Villiers Stadium in Sasolburg when the incident occurred. He was rushed to Sasolburg Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Maboya said the department was deeply saddened by the loss of a young life.

“Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and the HTS Sasolburg community. We extend our condolences and support during this difficult time,” she said.

The department noted that the match formed part of the annual FNB Classic Clash between HTS Sasolburg and Sasolburg High School, an event that has been held for about 47 years.

Maboya added that the department would provide support to the bereaved family and the school community, and commended the swift response of medical personnel.

“Nhlakanipho’s passing reminds us of the fragility of life. We stand with his loved ones and the school community in mourning this loss,” she said.

“May God’s healing hand bring comfort to classmates, fellow learners, teachers, parents, and the broader school community. We will continue to support all those affected by this tragedy.”

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The postponement was confirmed in a joint statement by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and South African Schools Athletics (SASA).

The championships have since been moved to Pilditch Stadium in Pretoria.

The disruption has drawn widespread criticism, with the Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (FEDSAS) calling for school sport to be placed under the full control of the Department of Basic Education, citing repeated administrative failures.

FEDSAS CEO Jaco Deacon said parents and athletes were bearing the cost of what he described as poor planning.

“Athletes are disadvantaged and parents are suffering significant financial losses due to incompetent officials’ inability to do basic planning. Heads should roll,” Deacon said.

He said the current crisis followed similar problems last year when the event in Bloemfontein was affected by poor accommodation and meal arrangements.

“A year later and here we are again with our top school athletes at the mercy of incompetent government officials,” he said.

“These athletes have been training for the entire season to reach peak performance this week. Their parents have incurred expenses and taken leave to support them.”

Deacon said provinces had already committed significant resources and educators had been deployed as officials during school hours.

FEDSAS called on ministers to urgently intervene, demanding a transparent investigation, disciplinary action and compensation for affected families and provinces.

The organisation also criticised coordination between the departments and sporting bodies, including tensions between SASA and Athletics South Africa.

The Western Cape government also expressed concern, saying the situation reflected broader coordination failures within the national school sport system.

It said that although accommodation and travel arrangements had been finalised, provinces were left uncertain due to a lack of a consolidated national position.

“As a result, athletes who have trained for months in preparation for this opportunity have been left without clarity on the way forward,” the provincial government said.

It said it had taken a precautionary approach to limit further financial exposure while awaiting confirmation on next steps.

The Western Cape government called for improved planning and coordination between national departments, federations and provinces, and urged urgent clarity from DSAC and SASA on the way forward.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo also criticised the handling of the postponement, describing it as “deeply troubling” and warning of repeated failures in school sport administration.

It said learners who had trained for months were now facing uncertainty, adding that similar disruptions had occurred in previous school sporting events.

The Limpopo Department of Sport, Arts and Culture later issued an apology for the inconvenience caused to athletes, stakeholders and the public.

The DA said it would continue to monitor the matter and push for accountability should negligence or poor planning be confirmed.

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A Mpumalanga school principal has been dismissed after being found guilty of engaging in a sexual relationship with a learner.

Godfrey Mhaleni, principal of Magwagwaza Secondary School in Bushbuckridge, was removed following an arbitration process by the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC).

The process, concluded on March 24, found he had an inappropriate relationship with a Grade 11 pupil. The learner’s testimony, in which she confirmed the relationship, was central to the guilty finding.

Mhaleni had been placed on precautionary suspension after the allegations surfaced, with the department following formal disciplinary procedures.

The Mpumalanga Department of Education said the conduct constituted a serious breach of professional ethics and the law.

Under the Employment of Educators Act (Act 76 of 1998), dismissal is mandatory for educators found guilty of serious misconduct. Section 17 prohibits sexual relationships with learners, sexual assault and any form of coercion or encouragement of sexual activity involving learners. Section 18 provides for disciplinary action in cases of sexual harassment.

Department spokesperson Gerald Sambo said the department does not tolerate conduct that undermines pupils’ safety and development.

“This conduct represents a profound breach of trust and undermines the integrity of the teaching profession,” the department said, adding that action would be taken against offenders.

The department said it would continue efforts to ensure safe and supportive learning environments.

The case reflects a broader trend of sexual misconduct by educators. In recent years, several teachers and principals have been dismissed or arrested for similar offences, often involving abuse of authority.

In a separate case, a former primary school principal in Stellenbosch was arrested on December 19, 2025, on a charge of sexual assault. The 55-year-old appeared in the Stellenbosch Magistrate’s Court on March 3, 2026, and is expected back in court on May 13.

Between 2021 and 2025, 176 teachers were found guilty of sexual misconduct involving learners. Of 211 reported cases, 35 resulted in acquittals.

Police statistics show 80 rapes were recorded at educational institutions between January and March 2025, with 54 victims identified as learners.

Nationally, 13,452 sexual offences were reported during the same period.

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The University of Fort Hare council has placed its vice-chancellor, Sakhela Buhlungu, on precautionary suspension with full pay, pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings linked to findings from a forensic investigation into senior executive appointments.

‎According to media platform EdNews, a letter on Tuesday signed by council chairperson Siyanda Makaula stated that the decision followed consideration of Buhlungu’s written representations, the forensic report and all relevant circumstances.

‎The suspension centres on irregularities in the appointment processes of two executive directors, where council approval was not obtained as required under the institution’s statutes.

According to the council, these failures constituted serious breaches implicating senior management decision-making and oversight structures.

The council maintained  that the VC’s continued presence in office could reasonably give rise to risks of interference with potential witnesses or institutional records.

The suspension takes immediate effect and will remain in force until the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings, unless lifted earlier.

The council stressed that the measure does not constitute a disciplinary sanction.

‎Buhlungu has been instructed not to enter university premises without prior written approval and to refrain from contacting staff, students, service providers or other stakeholders on matters related to the investigation.

He is also required to make available any university property or documentation needed for the process and to attend a disciplinary hearing once formally convened.

His employment contract remains in force.

The decision follows a special council meeting held earlier in the month, after the conclusion of a forensic investigation into alleged irregularities in the appointment of the executive director for infrastructure and technology, and the executive director for people management and engagement.

In a statement issued on 20 March, the council said the investigation found that four senior management employees “failed to comply with the requirements of Section 19.1 of the university statute, in that council approval was not obtained” for the appointments.

‎The council confirmed that appropriate disciplinary action has since been imposed on the implicated employees.

The university cited Section 10.1 of its employee relations and procedures, which provides that “where the policies, norms, values, standards and principles of the University of Fort Hare have been violated, the university has the right, through the disciplinary procedure, to apply appropriate corrective action in a fair manner”.

However, the decision to suspend Buhlungu has raised concerns with reports indicating that the vice-chancellor himself flagged the irregularities and attempted to correct them once they came to light, but was ignored.

According to the EdNews, a subsequent forensic investigation did not find wrongdoing on Buhlungu’s part and that tensions between the vice-chancellor and elements within the university leadership have been escalating, particularly following a series of investigations into governance and corruption at the institution.

It has been reported that this move follows a sense of revenge against Buhlungu following his cooperation with probes by the SIU into alleged maladministration at the university.

Buhlungu has been at the forefront of efforts to stabilise the institution, which has in recent years been rocked by governance challenges, including high-profile investigations into procurement and security contracts.

Despite the controversy, the council maintains that due process will be followed.

Formal notice of the disciplinary hearing, including specific charges and logistical details, is expected to be issued in due course in line with university policy.

The unfolding developments place renewed scrutiny on governance processes at the University of Fort Hare, as well as on the balance between accountability and institutional stability at one of South Africa’s historic higher education institutions.

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Last week, surgeons at Mankweng Hospital in Limpopo completed a remarkable operation.

A team of doctors, nurses and other health workers successfully separated conjoined twins in a complex operation that demanded extraordinary skill and precision.

We owe the medical teams that performed the operation, that helped deliver the twins and that are now caring for them our deepest admiration and gratitude.
 
This achievement is more than a medical milestone. It is proof of what our public health system is capable of. It is a reminder that South Africa possesses world-class medical expertise, not only in the private hospitals in our cities, but also in public facilities serving communities that have historically been neglected and underserved.
 
It is also the visible outcome of sustained national investment in cultivating medical excellence. This includes heavily subsidising the country’s medical schools, providing study bursaries for needy medical students, and providing on-the-job training through the Internship and Community Services Programme.
 
And yet, for every story of excellence like Mankweng, we know there are too many South Africans who cannot access the quality healthcare they need and deserve.
 
Our Constitution guarantees every person the right of access to healthcare services. That right cannot depend on where you were born, how much you earn or where you live. A child in rural Limpopo has the same right to quality healthcare as a child in the suburbs of Johannesburg or Cape Town. 
 
Closing the gap between the constitutional promise of healthcare and the daily lived reality is precisely what motivates the National Health Insurance (NHI).

The NHI is more than a funding mechanism. It is a commitment, grounded in our constitutional values, that every South African will have access to quality health services without suffering financial hardship. It is the instrument through which we will ensure that the skills and dedication on display at Mankweng are available to all our people, regardless of their ability to pay.
 
To realise this vision, we need genuine and sustained partnerships between the public and private health sectors, as well as academic institutions, medical professionals, pharmaceutical companies, non-governmental organisations and communities. 
 
South Africa has a well-equipped and well-funded private healthcare sector, with some of the finest hospitals, specialists and medical technology on the continent.

Yet only around 16% of South Africans have access to these facilities.

By contrast, the majority of the population, some 84%, uses public health facilities. On average, the amount of money spent each year on a person who uses private health care is around five times what is spent on someone in the public sector.
 
These two parts of our healthcare system cannot continue to operate in parallel, as if serving two separate nations. They must work together in service of one nation.
 
There are few people in South Africa who can disagree with this view, and there are a great many role-players who are eager for collaboration.

They recognise that there is both a great need and much opportunity to build stronger partnerships in health care. 
 
We should be doing more to share skills and knowledge across the public-private divide, as happens when private specialists contribute time to public hospitals.

It means investing in the training and retention of healthcare workers so that public facilities do not continue to lose their best people to private employers or to opportunities abroad. 
 
As we prepare to implement the NHI, we are already making significant investments to strengthen our public health infrastructure.

We are building and refurbishing clinics and hospitals, expanding our community health worker programme, working to ensure the availability of essential medicines, introducing digital systems and improving the management of facilities.
 
At the heart of all of this are the women and men who dedicate their lives to healing others. The surgeons at Mankweng did not separate the conjoined twins for recognition or reward, but because they understood their responsibility as health professionals.

We owe it to every healthcare worker to give them the support, tools and working conditions they need to do their vital work.
 
The great achievement at Mankweng Hospital has shown us what is possible. It has also reminded us of what is necessary: a health system that serves every South African with excellence, compassion and dedication.

Equal access to quality health care must be the standard we set and the constitutional promise that we keep.

Cyril Ramaphosa is President of Soth Africa.

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The administrator of the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA), Lehlogonolo Masoga, has condemned what he described as a culture of intimidation and victimisation of whistleblowers, warning that it undermines governance and cripples the entity’s performance.

Masoga said the climate discourages employees from speaking out against wrongdoing, allowing corruption and maladministration to persist unchecked.

“You can imagine that if employees are aware that there is a culture of intimidation in the organisation, it suppresses open engagement,” he said on Friday.

“Even when people see wrongdoing, they keep quiet because they fear severe punishment.”

He added that addressing these challenges is central to the administration’s mandate.

“These are some of the issues the administration seeks to address. Administration has been brought in as an instrument to respond to the challenges identified, including improving performance,” he said.

Masoga was speaking to the media at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in Pretoria, following a mid-term progress report by the Higher Education Minister on three SETAs placed under administration — Services SETA, Construction SETA and Local Government SETA.

His remarks come amid scrutiny over the dismissal of three senior Services SETA employees between 2017 and 2020, who were accused at the time of enabling irregularities.

Masoga rejected that characterisation, saying the employees were, in fact, whistleblowers who had raised concerns about alleged corruption and maladministration within the entity.

Lehloma Ramajoe, a former senior manager for special projects who later moved to chamber operations, was suspended on 20 July 2019 and subsequently charged following an investigation by a firm of attorneys.

According to Masoga, Ramajoe had made protected disclosures relating to alleged maladministration involving several individuals.

A review of records corroborated his account, and it was determined that he suffered “occupational detriment” as a result.

He is now eligible for remedial action in terms of Section 193.

Similarly, Thandi Mkhize, who served as a senior manager for quality assurance from 2002 until her dismissal in 2017, was found to have been unfairly targeted.

She had been charged with misconduct, including allegedly sharing information with union members and inciting resistance to performance management changes.

“Based on the facts before me, it has been concluded that Mkhize was deliberately targeted,” Masoga said, adding that she will be compensated.

The third case involves Tshepiso Mofokeng, a chamber manager since 2008, who was dismissed in August 2019 for allegedly failing to perform her duties.

However, a review found that she had been unfairly victimised after raising concerns about irregularities within the entity. She will also receive compensation.

Masoga said these decisions form part of a broader effort to restore governance and accountability at Services SETA.

“Restorative justice incorporates, among other elements, active participation by affected parties, taking responsibility and a commitment to repairing harm, as well as a victim-centred approach,” he said.

“It is for this reason that, on behalf of Services SETA, I take full responsibility for the actions and inactions of my predecessors and commit to dispensing justice to the victims of our previous decisions.”

He added that disciplinary and legal action against individuals implicated in corruption and financial mismanagement is under way, with investigations being conducted by the Public Protector and the Hawks.

While some suspects have been identified, Masoga said names would not be disclosed until cases are finalised.

“Until someone is found guilty, it would be inappropriate to publicly name individuals. We will wait for the appropriate time,” he said.

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While EWSETA supports President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to restore and upgrade critical water infrastructure, we believe water reform is as much a skills issue as a funding one.

This Water Month comes on the back of the President’s recent State of the Nation Address, where he went as far as saying that “water is now the single most important issue for many people in South Africa.”

The President acknowledged years of underinvestment, maintenance backlogs and system failures. However, infrastructure alone will not secure South Africa’s water future. The system only works when there are skilled people to operate and maintain it.

There is a clear opportunity for EWSETA to extend our contribution to water sector recovery. Through working with national and local government (i.e. municipalities), water boards and industry, EWSETA has already been involved in supporting skills development in the water sector.

However, considering the scale of the challenge outlined in the 2026 SONA, there is room for EWSETA to take on additional skills development initiatives.

Creating practical link between skills planning and service delivery

EWSETA is actively revolutionising the landscape of water management, and better aligning infrastructure investment with workforce planning will mean driving skills development that is guided by what’s happening in treatment plants, pump stations, and across reticulation networks.

When training priorities are informed by municipal maintenance backlogs or system failures, they can respond directly to the pressures faced on the ground.

This allows workforce development to support infrastructure upgrades and sector reform.

By strengthening training for water artisans such as plumbing and millwright technicians, and by expanding our programmes that upskill and reskill the existing municipal workforce, we can strengthen the technical backbone of the system.

Building technical competencies in operations and maintenance, through artisanal and learnership recognition of prior learning, ensures that skills development responds directly to where the system is under strain.

This also speaks to the President’s emphasis on a dual training model that links formal education with structured workplace experience.

EWSETA plays an important role in connecting training institutions such as TVET colleges with employers and public utilities, ensuring that learning is tied to the realities of plant operations and distribution networks through workplace-based learning.

It’s critical that we continue to reduce the disconnect between qualification and competence.

Identifying gaps and building capacity in those areas

Increased collaboration also makes it possible to see more clearly where skills gaps are and where existing training no longer matches the intricacies and realities of the water system.

Through engagement with water boards, municipalities and private industries, EWSETA supports the closure of these gaps and responds through designing qualifications that address operational demands.

EWSETA has developed suitable water-focused occupational skills programmes for qualifications across various skill levels, from Water

Conservation Practitioner NQF 4, Industrial Water Plant Operator (NQF level 4), Borehole Pump Operator (NQF 4), and Industrial Water Process Controller (NQF 5) to Water Works Management Practitioner (NQF 6), Water Control Officer (NQF 6), Water Use Specialist (NQF 7) and Water Resource Manager (NQF 8).

However, aligning qualifications to current needs is only part of the issue.

The pressures facing the water system are constantly evolving due to climate change, ageing infrastructure, rising demand, pollution impacts and rapidly advancing technologies.

Skills development must therefore look beyond keeping today’s infrastructure operational and begin actively preparing the workforce for what lies ahead.

Training that builds capability in smart systems, digital water management systems, nature-based solutions and sustainable water management will enable long-term resilience across the sector.

Strengthening capability under national accountability

The introduction of licensing for water service providers and the possibility of criminal consequences for ongoing failure, highlight that performance in the water sector is now directly linked to accountability.

The establishment of a National Water Crisis Committee, chaired by the President, also shows that water has been elevated to a matter of national priority.

This shift reframes the crisis not merely as an infrastructure challenge, but as a test of professional competence and institutional responsibility.

A sector facing stricter oversight and public scrutiny cannot function without a workforce able to operate and maintain increasingly complex systems.

Investing and strengthening the skills base of South Africa’s water workforce will improve the sector’s ability to respond to immediate failures and future pressures, making skills development inseparable from water security itself.

By Dr Mmaphefo Thwala, Water Sector Manager at EWSETA

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South Africa’s spending on education reflects its status as a core development indicator. Allocations to programmes such as school nutrition and Early Childhood Development (ECD), which formally enrols children into education as early as four years old, exceed global benchmarks on education spending.

A detailed review of the Budget Review and Estimates of National Expenditure (ENE) bears out the reality behind these numbers.

The overall allocation for learning and culture for the 2026/2027 financial year stands at R527,2 billion.

Basic education receives R358,5 billion, post-school education R155,8 billion, and Arts and Culture R12,8 billion.

A continued reflection of education as a strong development priority is evident over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), where learning and culture grows at 3,4%, in line with the new inflation outlook, and accounts for 23,7% of total non-interest spending, the largest such allocation in the budget.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) receives R54,3 billion as it grapples with challenges that include improving access for poor students while sourcing and paying for adequate accommodation in major urban centres and outlying areas.

The Budget Review notes that the National School Nutrition Programme provides meals to more than 9,9 million learners across 19 800 schools.

“Allocations to the programme grow by 4,5 per cent to R33,9 billion over the medium term and have not been adjusted for the lower inflation outlook, given that food price inflation is higher than the overall inflation rate,” it stated.

Spending on Learner Teacher Support Material currently stands at R6,7 billion, while school infrastructure allocations amount to R1,7 billion.

These are levels of spending comparable to developed countries in prioritising foundational learning inputs.

Expenditure on Early Childhood Development increases from R12,2 billion in 2025/26 to R18 billion over the medium term.

This will enable ECD services to be expanded to an additional 300 000 children. In her recent contribution to the State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube noted that the aim of ECD investment is to “ensure that a child from Giyani and Lusikisiki has the same head start as a child in Sandton.”

University transfers amount to R50,5 billion, while Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges receive R15 billion.

Given the renewed emphasis on TVET colleges as a pathway to employment, and the student numbers required to meet National Development Plan (NDP) targets, these allocations may require further review.

Skills development bodies, such as the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and the National Skills Fund, are projected to receive R88 billion over the three years from 2026.

This is the funding envelope critics argue should not simply be redirected to skills development while scrapping SETAs altogether, as concerns persist that “these institutions are struggling to deliver the skills required to drive economic growth.”

The Budget Review notes that “the National Treasury has commissioned the Government Technical Advisory Centre to conduct a comprehensive review of the national skills ecosystem in the year ahead.”

In terms of public infrastructure spending, education receives R19,1 billion in the current financial year, while health receives R15,8 billion. Over the next three years, education is allocated a combined R58,5 billion, compared with health’s R43,5 billion.

Both figures pale in comparison to transport and logistics infrastructure spending, which receives R130,7 billion in the current financial year and a combined R417,6 billion over the medium term.

The purpose is to improve the efficiency of the country’s rail and port network to drive export performance and economic growth.

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The start of a new academic year is meant to bring hope and excitement. Instead, for thousands of students across South Africa, it begins with anxiety and uncertainty over one basic necessity — accommodation.

At several institutions, on-campus residences are prioritised for first-year students, leaving unfunded and postgraduate students scrambling for alternatives.

While some postgraduate students secure funding before registering, many do not and are left juggling tuition, food and accommodation costs at the same time.

Students across the country have raised serious concerns about the shortage of available beds. Many come from other provinces and have no relatives nearby to rely on.

A young female student at Nelson Mandela University in the Eastern Cape, who spoke on condition of anonymity, shared her traumatic experience with Inside Education.

“I need help. I had sexual intercourse with the residence owner in Summerstrand because he promised to get me accommodation afterwards. I’m unfunded. Now he’s ghosting my texts when I ask about the accommodation. Where can I report this? I feel betrayed and manipulated. I’m stranded.”

Her account illustrates the dangerous situations students can find themselves in when desperation overrides safety.

At Stellenbosch University, management says that while the national demand for student accommodation is well documented, the primary challenge facing its students is affordability rather than availability.

Meanwhile, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has launched door-to-door inspections of student accommodation facilities. Unsafe properties are being flagged and students relocated, while non-compliant providers are ordered to improve conditions.

However, NSFAS currently owes accommodation providers R44 million in overdue rental fees. As a result, some landlords have threatened to evict students, leaving them without clear alternatives.

Across the country, universities are facing mounting pressure as protests over unpaid fees and housing shortages intensify. At the University of Cape Town (UCT), a student has already been provisionally suspended, with further disciplinary action possible.

Private housing providers argue that strict accreditation standards set by government and higher education authorities are increasing development costs. Buildings must meet specific design and safety requirements before qualifying for student funding support, limiting how cheaply accommodation can be developed.

According to private sector stakeholders, the problem is not excessive profit margins but a mismatch between actual development costs and what NSFAS contributes toward student accommodation.

The crisis extends beyond universities to TVET colleges, where access to housing has become one of the most significant barriers to higher education.

Kamogelo Nkabinde, a second-year accounting student at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), said he is being pushed toward deregistration.

“I’m being pushed into a corner to deregister, but I’m still looking for other options. The SRC organised a strike, but Red Ants were deployed around campus to prevent mass gatherings. They did collect a list of students without residence.”

A report by the International Finance Corporation states that hundreds of thousands of students struggle each year to secure decent housing. Without dignified accommodation, students face costly commutes or unsafe living conditions, adding financial stress and distracting them from their academic responsibilities.

Leading institutions such as the University of the Witwatersrand and UCT can accommodate only a fraction of qualifying students. At the University of Johannesburg, nearly 359,000 applications compete for just over 10,500 undergraduate spaces.

At Rhodes University, students have reportedly resorted to sleeping outside due to housing shortages — a stark reflection of the severity of the crisis.

Student accommodation crisis. PHOTO: X/Supplied

According to the Tiso Foundation, 30% of students are unable to graduate due to outstanding fees, some of which are linked to accommodation costs.

Speaking to Inside Education, the foundation’s programme manager, Miriam Mokwena, said affordability remains the biggest challenge.

“It’s not just the availability of accommodation — it’s the cost. When students are forced to rely on private accommodation, it doesn’t come cheap. We’ve seen accommodation costs more than double over the past five years.”

She said the foundation provides holistic bursaries covering tuition, accommodation, textbooks, meals and learning materials. However, rising accommodation costs have forced it to reduce the number of students it can support.

“If we planned to take 100 students, we now have to lower that number because accommodation costs have escalated. If affordable university accommodation were available, we could support more students.”

Mokwena added that many private funders prioritise tuition and exclude accommodation from funding packages, further worsening the crisis.

“We often see students who receive partial funding — tuition is covered, but accommodation is not. That leaves them stranded.”

She believes the Department of Higher Education must invest more in infrastructure and consider reclaiming or purchasing properties near universities that have been sold to private entities.

“They need to invest more in infrastructure and purchase available properties around universities.”

She also called for improved coordination between universities and Student Representative Councils (SRCs).

“Universities already know how many students they plan to onboard and how many beds are available. That information should be shared early so students can plan accordingly.”

For Gugulethu Mashinini, a postgraduate student at the University of the Free State, January was one of the most difficult months of her life.

She returned to campus without accommodation and moved from one friend’s room to another before eventually securing a place to stay. She recalls sleepless nights, overwhelming pressure and financial strain at home, where her grandmother was unemployed.

The student accommodation crisis is not new, but it is deepening. With an estimated national shortage of more than 200,000 beds, the problem reflects systemic failures that stretch from university admissions to daily student living conditions.

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The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has engaged the University of the Free State (UFS) following the release of a peer-reviewed study identifying endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in various sanitary pads and pantyliners sold in South Africa.

The research, conducted by a multidisciplinary UFS team and published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, was an in vitro laboratory detection study and did not involve human subjects.

The department said there is currently no directive to withdraw any products from the market but stressed that transparent, science-led policy would guide government’s response.

“The Department notes the significance of the research findings, which highlight the detection of certain chemicals associated with potential hormonal interference,” it said in a statement on Sunday.

“While the study does not establish immediate or short-term health harm, it raises important concerns regarding long-term exposure and cumulative health risks.”

The department also welcomed a call by the National Consumer Commission to investigate the findings and review regulations to ensure menstrual health products are safe, affordable and accessible.

It reiterated its commitment to work with the Department of Health, the South African Bureau of Standards, consumer protection agencies, manufacturers, suppliers and civil society groups to assess and strengthen regulatory frameworks, enhance quality assurance and promote transparency in menstrual hygiene products.

The department also urged calm while investigations continue and pledged to keep the public informed.

“Menstrual dignity is not a privilege; it is a right. The health and safety of women and girls in South Africa will remain a priority,” it said.

UFS Senior Director of Communication and Marketing Lacea Loader said the products tested contained at least two types of EDCs, including phthalates, bisphenols and parabens, regardless of marketing claims.

“These substances are known for their potential to interact with the body’s hormonal systems. The study raises concerns about cumulative exposure over time, particularly considering the prolonged and repeated use of menstrual products across a woman’s reproductive lifespan,” Loader said.

She stressed that the research does not claim short-term use of menstrual products causes specific health conditions, nor does it make findings of unlawful conduct, regulatory non-compliance, negligence or intentional wrongdoing by any manufacturer, supplier or distributor.

Any determinations regarding compliance with legislation fall within the mandate of relevant regulatory authorities, she said.

Loader added that the study highlights a knowledge gap, calls for further scientific and clinical investigation, and underscores the need for greater transparency around chemical composition in consumer products and stronger regulatory standards aligned with current scientific evidence.

“The purpose of the scientific research conducted at the university is not to create fear, anxiety or panic, but to inform and empower consumers, policymakers and health professionals through robust data and scientific evidence,” she said.

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Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela says skills development is central to South Africa’s growth and restoring dignity to previously disadvantaged and vulnerable youth, stressing that it is not a favour but a constitutional mandate of government and its entities.

“Skills development is not a favour that we do for South Africans. It is an important investment that we make for the future of our country. If we get it right, it means we are unlocking growth, dignity and social cohesion,” Manamela said on Thursday.

He was speaking at the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) Mining Skills Lekgotla held at the Gallagher Convention Centre, where mining and government leaders reflected on the role of the MQA over the past three decades.

Manamela called for stronger partnerships between the mining industry, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and city colleges to align training with industry demand.

Since his appointment, Manamela has maintained that the state of post-school education and training is closely linked to the country’s economic performance and overall development.

“Part of the ambition should be the commitment that the mining industry needs in terms of potential partnerships with specific TVET colleges or the sector as a whole. Given the work done in partnership with industry around the just energy transition and related skills proposals, this is an opportunity to look at commitments towards a skills resolution,” he said.

He emphasised that cohesion across industry players was critical to ensure that skills development translates into real job opportunities and helps combat youth unemployment.

“If we continue at the pace at which we are going, we will reproduce exclusion and frustration. Given the role mining plays in our economy, institutions in the sector carry a bigger responsibility to ensure continued skills development for young people,” he said.

“The responsibility rests with all of us to ensure that the next 30 years of the MQA are defined not only by longevity, but by impact.”

The minister also spoke about the reform and repositioning of the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).

“We want SETAs including the MQA to function as sectoral convenors and system integrators not just as grant disbursing entities. The President was clear in the SONA that we require a skills revolution that is responsive to the economy we are building, not the economy we inherited. Skills revolution that prepares young people not just to survive but to contribute meaningfully to industrialisation, to beneficiation and to inclusive growth,” said Manamela.

MQA CEO Thabo Mashongoane at the 2026 MQA Mining Skills Lekgotla in Midrand. PHOTO: Eddie Mtsweni

MQA chief executive Thabo Mashongoane, speaking at the same event, said the authority’s 30-year history has been marked by adaptive growth and transformation, with a focus on lecturer and graduate development, support for women and learner funding aimed at expanding access for previously excluded groups.

He said the MQA is fast-tracking digitisation, Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and green mining skills, alongside adult education and literacy programmes, to ensure the sector remains competitive in what he termed the “Future Skills Focus Era” of the 2020s.

“We are engaging with universities to ensure that their mode of delivery incorporates 4IR and digitalisation components so that we build skills that enable better work in the mining sector,” Mashongoane said.

According to the MQA Discretionary Grants Expenditure Report for 2003–2025, nearly R12 billion has been spent over the period. The TVET College Support Programme received just over R664 million, while the Internship Programme accounted for R1.9 billion and the Learnership Programme R1.5 billion.

The Artisan Development Programme received more than R3 billion, underscoring the authority’s focus on strengthening technical skills and supporting economic growth in the mining sector.

Entertainers performing at the 2026 MQA Mining Skills Lekgotla in Midrand. PHOTO: Eddie Mtsweni

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Premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced the construction of 18 additional schools in Gauteng as the province grapples with a placement crisis that has left about 2,000 learners still without classrooms.

Delivering the 2026 State of the Province Address on Monday, Lesufi framed education as central to social mobility and economic transformation, while acknowledging mounting pressure on the admissions system.

“Education is a great equaliser. It accounts for the difference between poverty and social mobility,” he said.

The new schools form part of efforts to ease overcrowding and reduce the annual admissions backlog that continues to frustrate parents across the province.

“Our school admission online registration process will be improved and strengthened to ease pain and frustration of our parents,” Lesufi said. 

“The online registration is an important transformation tool to ensure all our schools are accessible to all our children. To ease this pain, we are constructing 18 additional new schools.”

Gauteng’s rapid population growth has placed severe strain on infrastructure, particularly in township communities. Each year, thousands of parents compete for limited spaces, and this year around 2,000 learners remain unplaced.

Lesufi confirmed that two new schools opened in January, with another set to open next month.

“In January, we opened two new schools, and next month we will open Ratanang Primary School in Hammanskraal,” he said.

He described the Hammanskraal school as a flagship facility.

“This top school features 28 classrooms, computer labs and a fully digitised teaching environment, sports facilities and learner-friendly combi courts. No one invests better in township school infrastructure than us.”

The Premier also highlighted strong matric outcomes as evidence that infrastructure investment is paying off.

“Allow me to also congratulate the matric class of 2025 on attaining 89.06%, the highest ever overall pass rate achieved by the Grade 12 cohort since the introduction of the NSC qualification,” he said.

He added that 20 township schools achieved a 100% matric pass rate, with Lufhereng Secondary School and Siyabonga Secondary School producing exceptionally high Bachelor pass rates.

While celebrating these achievements, Lesufi acknowledged safety concerns following the scholar transport tragedy in Vanderbijlpark that claimed 14 learners’ lives.

“We must do so much more to ensure that the lives of our children are safe and sound,” he said. “We are focusing on ensuring that all scholar transport in the province is safe and compliant.”

With thousands of learners still awaiting placement, pressure remains on the provincial government to ensure the new schools come online quickly enough to stabilise the system and prevent future admissions crises.

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The ANC-led Gauteng Department of Education has shifted the blame for school funding pressures to the DA-led national Department of Basic Education, accusing it of failing to provide relief while allowing what it called misinformation about provincial budget cuts to spread.

The unusually direct attack came as the department rejected claims that it had cut funding to Quintile 5 schools by 64%, saying the allegations were false and deliberately misleading.

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said the province was being unfairly scapegoated for implementing national funding norms under severe financial constraints imposed by National Treasury and overseen by the national department.

“It is dishonest to accuse provinces of cutting school funding while remaining silent about the national budget cuts imposed by National Treasury,” Chiloane said in a statement this week. 

“The Department of Basic Education, under the leadership of the Democratic Alliance, is fully aware of the financial challenges confronting Gauteng and other provinces, yet these challenges remain unresolved.”

The department said no 64% funding cut had been implemented and stressed that an interim funding realignment process, effective from 1 April, was being misrepresented as a reduction. 

The realignment aligns funding for certain Quintile 5 fee-paying schools with the National Norms and Standards for School Funding gazetted by the Department of Basic Education.

Schools were formally notified of the adjusted allocations in September 2025 through indicative budget certificates, the department said, arguing that the process was transparent and long communicated.

“This is not a budget cut but a correction of historical funding anomalies in some Quintile 5 schools,” the department said.

The GDE said it is grappling with a R444 million shortfall in the current financial year and a projected R160 million shortfall over the 2026 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework period, pressures it attributes directly to national budget decisions.

Despite this, the department said it has protected classrooms and ensured continuity in teaching and learning.

“We have honoured Learning and Teaching Support Material payments in full and on time, and teaching and learning have continued uninterrupted,” the department said.

Chiloane accused the DA of political opportunism, saying the party was manufacturing outrage while ignoring its role in national policy and funding decisions.

“The sudden outrage being manufactured by the DA is disingenuous,” he said. 

“Provinces cannot be blamed for implementing national policy under constrained budgets we do not control.”

He added that any petitions or protests over school funding should be directed at the national department.

“If there is a petition to be delivered, it should be delivered to the Department of Basic Education, which is responsible for national funding norms and allocations and which the DA itself leads,” Chiloane said.

The department warned that continued misinformation risks undermining confidence in the public schooling system and said the real issue remains the need for sustainable national funding solutions for education.

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Despite broader systemic challenges such as student funding constraints and historic debt, Stellenbosch University and the University of the Western Cape (UWC) are operationally ready for the 2026 academic year.

This is according to Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, following a ministerial oversight visit conducted on Monday as part of the Department’s state of readiness monitoring programme.

“Overall, the institution is operationally ready for the commencement of the academic year. Registration processes are functioning well, accommodation arrangements are in place, and academic systems are stable,” Gondwe said of Stellenbosch University.

She noted that approximately 17 840 students had already registered at the time of the visit, with numbers expected to rise once accommodation leases commence in early February.

“The challenges identified relate primarily to student funding and historic debt, rather than institutional preparedness,” Gondwe added.

Similarly, the University of the Western Cape was found to be operationally prepared for the start of the academic year.

UWC has implemented effective registration management mechanisms, including clear communication with students, designated in-person registration sites, and sustained engagement with student leadership.

“The University of the Western Cape is operationally ready for the start of the academic year,” Gondwe said. “The institution has put in place mechanisms to manage registration effectively, including clear communication with students about offers, the registration process, and designated in-person registration sites.”

She said regular bi-weekly engagements between management and the Student Representative Council (SRC) were helping to identify and address challenges early, which is critical to maintaining stability at the start of the academic year.

The oversight visits focused on key areas including registration and admissions, student funding, accommodation, student safety, and the commencement of teaching and learning.

Particular attention was given to NSFAS-related processes, historic debt, the accuracy of funding information on the NSFAS portal, and the experience of first-time entering students.

“These are critical areas for ensuring a stable and orderly start to the academic year,” Gondwe emphasised.

Challenges raised during the engagements were described as systemic and common across the higher education sector, particularly historic debt and NSFAS constraints.

Issues such as delayed tranche payments, funding caps, and portal discrepancies were escalated for urgent resolution.

NSFAS officials remained behind after the engagements to address administrative glitches raised by the SRC.

“We continue to engage closely with NSFAS and institutions to resolve outstanding payments, improve data accuracy, and stabilise allowance disbursements,” Gondwe said. “Institutions are encouraged to apply flexible measures to prevent the undue exclusion of students.”

The Deputy Minister highlighted disparities across institutions, noting that Stellenbosch University has mobilised approximately R10 million to support missing-middle students, while UWC raised concerns around food insecurity, with some students experiencing hardship while awaiting funding and allowances.

“Institutions are encouraged to strengthen partnerships with the private sector as part of broader student support efforts,” she said, adding that the Department remains committed to targeted support for under-resourced institutions and financially vulnerable students.

Student wellness and inclusion also formed part of the engagements, with Higher Health participating in discussions.

Gondwe reiterated the Department’s commitment to inclusive access across the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system.

“Institutions must ensure reasonable accommodation, accessible infrastructure, and appropriate support so that students with disabilities can participate fully in academic life,” she said.

Higher Health indicated that it has rolled out initiatives to sensitise able-bodied students on engaging respectfully with students with disabilities, with an emphasis on empathy, inclusion and appropriate language.

Gondwe also stressed the importance of community involvement in supporting institutional readiness.

“Communities play a critical role in creating safe, supportive and enabling environments for students,” she said.

“When government, institutions and communities work together, we strengthen access, improve retention and support student success.”

The visits align with national priorities of expanding access, ensuring system stability and enabling teaching and learning to commence without disruption at the start of the academic year.

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Four victims of the scholar transport accident that claimed 14 lives in the Vaal last Monday were laid to rest on Sunday.

Leano Moiloa, who had turned 14 exactly a week before the tragedy, was buried in Sebokeng. Thato Moetji, who was due to turn 17 next week, Ofentse Vinger (6) and Bokamoso Mokhobo (13) were laid to rest at a joint funeral held at the Soul Tsotestsi Sports Ground.

The funeral was attended by several dignitaries, including army chaplains, Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga, Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane and Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela.

Sedibeng executive mayor Lerato Maloka and Emfuleni executive mayor Sipho Radebe were also present.

Renowned preacher Bishop Maratehi Seleke officiated at the service, alongside representatives from school governing bodies, the South African Principals’ Association, funeral undertakers, and taxi and scholar transport associations.

Industry associations used the occasion to pledge concrete measures aimed at improving road safety. The taxi industry, while acknowledging the Gauteng government’s efforts to formalise and regulate the sector — including cashless systems and scheduled services — said these interventions would contribute to improved safety.

In her tribute, Chikunga spoke of “14 bright mornings, 14 incomplete notebooks and 14 dreams” cut short by the tragedy. She delivered a stern message to the taxi industry, warning that they “do not carry loads, but carry futures,” and cautioned that if safety and driver conduct were not improved, operators must “step up or step aside.”

She further urged law enforcement to leave no stone unturned in investigating the incident, adding that “if crimes were committed, they must be prosecuted without fear or favour.”

Chikunga also noted that, in her capacity as minister responsible for youth, she bore responsibility for the driver at the centre of the tragedy, 22-year-old Ayanda Dludla, who remains in custody after abandoning his bail application.

She said Dludla must be held accountable for his actions and face consequences, but stressed that there should also be room for rehabilitation and education to prevent other young drivers from repeating the same mistakes.

“Accountability is part of healing. Justice has mercy,” she said.

Chiloane praised businesses — led by the Vaal Undertakers Forum and the scholar transport association — as well as individual businesspeople who contributed to the funerals, including those who assisted with burials outside the province.

He also paid tribute to his department’s teams for providing psychosocial support to affected families and schools, noting that “our grief is collective, and the call for change is non-negotiable.”

Lesufi opened his eulogy with hymn 110, Holokile (“All Is Well”), and called for a broader overhaul of the schooling system so that parents are not forced to enrol children in schools far from home.

He told the families that “this is not their pain to bear” but rather to be shared.  

Various clergy and gospel artists contributed to different parts of the service, while a local tombstone company donated tombstones.

The learners were laid to rest at Jacobskop and Vanderbijlpark cemeteries.

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The Gauteng Department of Education has launched a R240 million school for learners with special needs in Springs, Ekurhuleni, catering for learners with epilepsy, autism and other specialised needs.

The Dr W.K. du Plessis School for Learners with Special Education Needs was funded entirely by the provincial government through a combination of equitable share and conditional grants, and was constructed by the Department of Infrastructure Development.

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane welcomed the opening of the school, saying it addressed a critical need in the Far East Rand. The school caters for learners from Grade 1 to Grade 12 and currently enrols about 380 learners. It also offers boarding facilities for 60 learners, which are currently operating at half capacity.

Chiloane said the school would help ease pressure on the province’s waiting list for learners with special needs, which currently stands at around 300.

The school achieved a 100% matric pass rate in the previous academic year, with 73% of learners obtaining bachelor passes.

Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Nkosingiphile Xhakaza described the school as a boost to the province’s skills development base, given Ekurhuleni’s role as Gauteng’s industrial and logistics hub.

Xhakaza said the metro currently spends R12 million annually on educational support through bursaries, equipment, facilities and other interventions, and expressed confidence that the school would produce learners who could benefit from these initiatives.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said the opening of a school was always exciting, adding that opening one for learners with special needs was particularly significant.

“Learners with special needs should not be limited to menial or clerical work,” Lesufi said, noting that the school would help ensure their meaningful participation in the mainstream economy.

He challenged Chiloane to continue opening a new school every month, pointing out that a school had been opened during each week of the current school year.

MEC for Infrastructure Development Jacob Mamabolo praised the speed at which the project was completed, noting that construction began after the Covid-19 pandemic. He said the issuing of the occupancy certificate — a process that can take up to 12 months — had been fast-tracked to allow learners to occupy the school this year.

Protest disruption

The launch was briefly disrupted by a protest by learners from surrounding schools. Chiloane met with the protesters and later told attendees that they were “raising legitimate issues”, instructing senior officials to attend to their concerns.

The protesters called for the placement of unplaced learners and for infrastructure upgrades to address overcrowding, claiming that some classes had as many as 70 learners.

Chiloane confirmed that the province currently has about 2 000 unplaced learners in Grades 1 and 8. He said the department was rolling out mobile classrooms to increase capacity and would also use “host schools” and available spaces such as school halls, supported by subject specialists.

He noted that Gauteng receives between 70 000 and 80 000 new learners annually due to inward migration, adding that infrastructure development was struggling to keep pace with demand.

Addressing concerns around admissions for foreign nationals, Chiloane said South African learners should receive preference. He dismissed claims that applicants could secure placement by applying as foreigners, saying the system required valid documentation to verify nationality or immigration status.

He warned that action would be taken against any school or district official found to have illegally facilitated placements.

Gauteng Legislature Education Portfolio Committee chairperson Moipone Mhlongo welcomed the opening of the school and its focus on learners with special needs. She also used the occasion to pay tribute to the 14 learners who died in a recent accident in the Vaal, calling for tighter regulation of scholar transport.

Acting Deputy Principal Heindrich Terblanche said the new and refurbished facilities would motivate both learners and educators to achieve even better results. He attributed the school’s success to dedicated teachers, strong parental support, and learners “who absorb material like a sponge”.

The school caters for learners with mild to severe intellectual learning disabilities, as well as epilepsy and autism. It is equipped with gross and fine motor equipment, specialised classrooms, therapy rooms, on-site nursing support and specialist educators. It also features newly equipped cooking and life-skills centres.

Originally founded in Kimberley in the Northern Cape, the school relocated to Springs in 1968, where it has operated from its original buildings until the recent upgrade.

The school serves communities in KwaThema, Tsakane and Duduza — collectively known as Kwa Tsaduza — as well as the towns of Springs, Brakpan and Nigel.

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