South Africa has entered a new phase in its higher-education reform effort, with the Department of Higher Education and Training’s (DHET) new recognition policy allowing private institutions that meet strict criteria to be formally designated as universities or university colleges.
Graeme College’s 1st XI carved their names into the national cricketing record books this weekend, becoming the first team in South Africa to officially qualify for the inaugural Switch Schools SA20 Finals, set for March 2026.
Basic education minister Siviwe Gwarube on Monday warned that failing to invest sufficiently in early childhood development would saddle the country with years of costly remedial work and squandered human potential, as she launched a new outcomes-based fund for early learning.
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.
