The Santa Shoebox Project has urged South Africans to use Youth Day to support teenagers, saying older children are often overlooked despite needing practical help and encouragement ahead of adulthood.

The appeal comes as the organisation marks its 20th anniversary in 2026. It says it has reached more than 1.5 million children over two decades, including tens of thousands of Grade 11 learners who received items to support them ahead of their matric year.

“It’s always heartwarming and inspiring to see firsthand how teenagers’ lives can be changed by a single act of kindness. Our donors have done wonderful things for our Grade 11 learners over the years,” said Santa Shoebox Project CEO Deb Zelezniak.

The organisation said its work with teenagers has shown how small, targeted gifts can have a direct impact on confidence, dignity and school readiness.

“There are many beautiful stories I can tell about how South Africa has shown up for our Santa Shoebox teenage beneficiaries,” said Zelezniak.

“Once, a Grade 11 boy cried tears of joy when he received a shirt and tie so that he could go into his first job interview with dignity and pride. On other occasions, teenagers have received quality hygiene items, books and stationery that really boosted their confidence ahead of their matric year. A group of boys danced around their class when they received rugby balls.”

“Hair and nail accessories, cute toys and PEP Stores vouchers have also brought great joy to our teens — a class even broke out in song to say thank you.”

“Another class told us they loved their gifts so much, they were “speechless”. And one gift that has made a lasting impression on all of us was when shoebox donors from Secunda gave a Grade 11 teen a life-changing voucher for driving lessons!”

The Santa Shoebox Project was founded in 2006. More than 1.35 million Santa Shoeboxes have been distributed to underprivileged and socially vulnerable children since then.

Each traditional or virtual shoebox contains eight specified items, including soap, a washcloth, a toothbrush, toothpaste, educational supplies, clothing, treats and age-appropriate discretionary items selected for each recipient.

Through its SSP Legacy arm, the organisation said it has reached more than 180,000 children by establishing and upgrading early childhood development centres, investing in teacher training and installing reading corners to support cognitive, language and social-emotional development.

Zelezniak said the anniversary year was an opportunity for South Africans to help create more stories of support for teenagers.

“Let’s show up for South Africa’s teens in 2026 and create more beautiful stories to tell. For a teen, a simple gift can open new worlds of possibility. Knowing that people care about you and your future, is a powerful vote of confidence. Together, we can show our teens that we believe in them.”

The organisation said donors can begin preparing boxes now to spread the cost. Corporate pledges open on 1 August and individual pledges open on 1 September.

The Santa Shoebox Project invited South Africans to sign up as volunteers, make a pledge or become brand partners through its website.

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The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has raised concern over persistent safety challenges in schools, reporting more than 4,600 incidents of violence and over 4,100 cases of vandalism across the province over the past five years.

Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile released the figures during a school safety media briefing held at the Gauteng Gambling Board in Bramley, Johannesburg, on Sunday.

The department said Gauteng remains one of the country’s major crime hotspots, with 118,311 crimes recorded in 2026 — accounting for 26% of all crimes nationally.

Research by the Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention shows a direct link between community crime levels and incidents in schools.

During the same period, nearly 400 cases of sexual misconduct and about 1,400 search-and-seizure incidents involving prohibited items were recorded at schools.

“These numbers are a concern because they indicate that our schools are under threat,” Maile said.

The department said incidents have fluctuated year-on-year, but violence, vandalism, substance-related offences and learner misconduct remain major disruptions to teaching and learning.

Maile said the provincial department is working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) under a 10-point protocol signed in 2025 to strengthen safety measures in schools.

“The protocol allows us to improve reporting, monitoring, searches and seizures, and to ensure we are able to collect and analyse information consistently so that targeted interventions can be implemented where they are needed most,” he said.

He added that school safety challenges reflect broader social conditions affecting communities.

“Crime, violence, substance abuse and social instability continue to affect our communities and increasingly find expression within our school environments. This is why our Thuto Pele campaign, under the theme ‘It Takes a Village to Raise a Child’, seeks to mobilise communities to become active partners in protecting our schools and learners,” Maile said.

He stressed that safe schools are essential for effective teaching and learning.

“Learners cannot learn effectively in environments characterised by fear, intimidation and violence. Equally, educators cannot teach optimally in unsafe conditions. Safe schools are therefore not only a security imperative, but an educational imperative,” he said.

Community consultations under the Thuto Pele campaign have highlighted ongoing concerns, including bullying, learner-on-learner violence, substance abuse, theft, vandalism and crime around school premises.

Parents also raised concerns about learner safety on their way to and from school.

The department said school safety efforts also include mental health and psychosocial support.

Through a partnership with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), more than 11,000 learners and over 150 educators took part in mental health awareness and suicide prevention programmes in April 2026.

The Teddy Bear Foundation supported more than 100 schools with trauma and abuse interventions, while the Isibindi Ezikoleni Programme reached over 35,000 learners through awareness campaigns and support services.

A comprehensive environmental analysis by the Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership and Governance assessed more than 1,300 schools in Gauteng and identified 245 high-risk institutions requiring targeted intervention.

It found that gang violence, bullying, substance abuse, theft, vandalism, sexual harassment and surrounding criminal activity remain key safety threats in schools.

To address these challenges, the department has installed CCTV systems at 606 schools and strengthened partnerships with SAPS, alongside expanded mental health programmes.

Maile said interventions must be guided by evidence and community input.

“We remain committed to ensuring that school safety interventions are informed by evidence, community engagement and the lived experiences of learners, educators and parents,” he said.

He added that school safety goes beyond security.

“It is also a learner development issue, a community development issue and ultimately an educational quality issue.”

The department said it is reviewing its School Safety Strategy, with a revised framework expected later this year.

The updated strategy will focus on prevention, early intervention, improved coordination and technology-driven solutions.

Maile said the safety of learners and educators remains non-negotiable, calling on parents, school governing bodies, faith-based organisations and civil society to play an active role in protecting schools and strengthening safe learning environments.

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The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) have welcomed a Western Cape High Court ruling declaring the student allowance payment tender involving four service providers unlawful, invalid and unconstitutional.

In a joint statement, the entities said the judgment marked a significant step towards strengthening governance, transparency and accountability in the administration of student financial aid funds.

The court on June 12 ruled that the procurement process which led to service-level agreements between NSFAS and eZaga Holdings, Coinvest Africa, Noracco Corporation and Tenet Technology was unconstitutional, unlawful and invalid.

The ruling follows years of controversy over the appointment of fintech companies to distribute NSFAS allowances to students.

In 2023, the NSFAS board moved to terminate its relationship with the service providers after a report by Werkmans Attorneys uncovered irregularities in the awarding of the contracts.

The investigation also highlighted an alleged relationship between former NSFAS chief executive officer Andile Nongogo and two service providers, Coinvest Africa and eZaga Holdings, raising concerns about whether adequate due diligence had been conducted before the contracts were awarded.

According to the judgment, the procurement process was tainted by several irregularities, including improper tender cancellations, irregular drafting and approval of bid documents, non-compliance with mandatory requirements and the absence of key internal controls.

NSFAS and the SIU said the ruling vindicated their efforts to identify and address governance failures within the student funding scheme.

“The judgment not only vindicates our efforts in identifying and addressing significant governance failures but also reinforces our resolve to root out maladministration and safeguard the integrity of public procurement processes,” the statement said.

The court, however, found no evidence that the service providers were complicit in corruption, maladministration or other wrongdoing.

As a result, the companies may submit claims for reasonable expenses and profits incurred while fulfilling their obligations under the now-invalid contracts. Any claims will be independently verified before compensation is paid.

NSFAS said it would engage constructively with the affected companies to implement the compensation process in line with the court order.

The scheme also reassured students, parents and the public that it remains committed to restoring confidence in the administration of student financial aid and ensuring public funds are managed with integrity and accountability.

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A proposal for a private-sector-funded bursary scheme has emerged from Deputy Higher Education and Training Minister Dr Mimmy Gondwe’s engagement with private higher education institutions, just days after she called on the sector to help expand access to tertiary education.

Gondwe met with private higher education providers and industry associations on Monday as part of a sector-wide dialogue aimed at identifying practical solutions to South Africa’s growing demand for post-school education and training.

During the discussions, she urged the sector to play a greater role in widening access and assisting government to address capacity constraints in the public higher education system.

The first phase of the engagements has now concluded with a proposal to establish a bursary fund financed, administered and managed by private higher education institutions.

According to the Department of Higher Education and Training, private institutions currently enrol about 313,000 students—roughly 30% of all higher education enrolments in South Africa—while public universities accommodate about 1.1 million students.

The department said the proposed bursary scheme could provide financial support to students at private institutions and help broaden access to tertiary education at a time of increasing pressure on public resources.

The proposal gives practical effect to issues raised during Monday’s discussions, where Gondwe emphasised the need to move beyond annual conversations on access and identify tangible interventions to create more study opportunities for school-leavers.

“Given the tightening fiscal environment in the public sector, we now have to think outside the box and consider collaborating more closely with the private sector to support students and build meaningful public-private partnerships,” Gondwe said.

She said such partnerships could strengthen skills development and improve employability, while easing pressure on the public higher education system.

Beyond the bursary proposal, the engagements identified several areas for deeper collaboration between government and private providers.

These include investment in infrastructure, the establishment of specialised universities, curriculum innovation aligned to labour market demands, and creating a more enabling environment for responsible private investment in higher education.

The discussions also focused on strengthening public-private partnerships to improve skills development, infrastructure expansion and graduate employability.

Participants included ADvTECH Group, Regent Business School, STADIO, Eduvos, the Da Vinci Institute, Boston City Campus, and private higher education associations.

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The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has warned that the inability of most South African learners to read for meaning by the prescribed age constitutes a violation of their constitutional right to basic education.

The committee was briefed on Friday by the Right to Read Campaign, a coalition of civil society and education organisations advocating for improved literacy outcomes and the right of every child to read with understanding.

“The Right to Read Campaign aims to make early-grade literacy a national priority through legislative reform and the development of binding regulations for the first three grades,” the campaign told the committee.

It said its work focuses on advocacy and communications, legal and education interventions, and community mobilisation, with the goal of developing regulations in partnership with the Department of Basic Education (DBE).

The campaign’s Right to Read and Write background paper, developed by 19 members of the Section 11 Committee, argues that a core outcome of the right to basic education is that children should be able to read and write with understanding in their home language by the age of 10.

The committee highlighted findings from the Funda Uphumelele National Survey (FUNS), released by the DBE in November 2025, which assessed foundational reading skills among Grade 1 to 4 learners and reading comprehension in Grades 3 and 4.

According to the survey, only about 30% of learners in Grades 1 to 3 are reading at grade level. The committee noted that if 81% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning, as reflected in the 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), it follows that most learners have not developed the foundational skills required for reading proficiency.

The survey also revealed stark disparities linked to socio-economic status and language. Grade 3 learners in quintile 5 schools were almost three times more likely to meet grade-level home-language benchmarks than those in quintile 1 schools.

Grade 3 English home-language learners were four times more likely to reach the required benchmark than Sepedi home-language learners, while the Western Cape recorded the highest proportion of learners meeting grade-level standards, followed by KwaZulu-Natal.

The committee further expressed concern about the number of learners who appear to gain little benefit from their first three years of schooling. Overall, 15% of Grade 3 learners were unable to read a single word, rising to 25% among Sepedi- and Xitsonga-speaking learners.

“Learners in quintile 1 schools are four times more likely to be unable to read a single word than learners in quintile 5 schools,” the committee said.

The committee also cited findings from two South African Standardised Assessment System (SASE) reports released in 2024, which found that only 20% of Grade 3 learners perform at or above the expected grade level.

The reports showed that learners taught in English and Afrikaans generally outperform those taught in African languages. More than 40% of Grade 3 learners in Setswana, Sepedi, Xitsonga, isiNdebele, Sesotho and Tshivenda were classified at the “emerging” performance level.

The committee stressed that learners require a minimum package of reading resources, including lesson plans, graded readers, vocabulary posters and other support materials. It described the new Foundation Phase catalogue as a potentially important intervention but noted that implementation remains uneven because provinces are not compelled to procure specific materials and some face budget constraints.

It said evidence from rigorously evaluated literacy interventions in South Africa points to three key success factors: quality teacher training combined with learning and teaching support materials (LTSM), the use of unemployed youth as teaching assistants, and teacher coaching supported by appropriate learning materials.

The committee noted that some interventions could be implemented through existing programmes and funding streams, including teacher development initiatives, LTSM provision and the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI).

It said research papers on the “4Ts” of literacy — time, text, testing and training — are being prepared and will be submitted to the Department of Basic Education through the National Education and Training Council.

The campaign is also convening roundtable discussions with education experts and stakeholders and consulting communities, including parents, religious leaders and young people, to test proposed regulations and build consensus on solutions to the literacy crisis.

The committee said it would continue discussions on how binding regulations could strengthen the implementation of literacy policies and programmes aimed at addressing South Africa’s reading crisis.

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The University of Fort Hare (UFH) has emerged as the top-performing university in the Eastern Cape for research output, outperforming several institutions and ranking among South Africa’s leading research universities.

According to the 2024 Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Research Outputs Sector-Wide Report, released this month, UFH achieved a weighted per capita research output score of 2.39, surpassing the national average of 2.23.

The score places Fort Hare among only 11 universities nationally that performed above the sector benchmark and makes it the highest-ranked university in the Eastern Cape on the key measure of research productivity and postgraduate success.

UFH also outperformed several institutions, including the University of South Africa (Unisa), which recorded a score of 2.34, and Rhodes University, which achieved 2.36.

UFH Director of Research and Innovation Dr Aceme Nyika said the achievement reflects the university’s commitment to conducting research that responds to societal challenges.

“As an institution that is rooted in communities and conducts research which addresses issues that affect communities, excelling in research means that UFH is making a significant contribution to the socioeconomic development of communities in the Eastern Cape,” he said.

Nyika said the ranking demonstrates the progress made by the university despite historical challenges.

“Being the only historically disadvantaged university among the top 11 universities in the country demonstrates that UFH is making strides in transforming itself into a research-focused university against all odds,” he said.

The university attributed its improved performance to a series of interventions introduced after research output declined between 2017 and 2021.

A major turning point came in 2021 when the institution separated its Academic Affairs Division into dedicated Teaching and Learning and Research, Partnerships and Innovation portfolios, allowing for greater focus on research development.

UFH also introduced mentorship programmes for emerging academics, research seed grants and specialised training programmes to strengthen research capacity.

As part of its research strategy, the university identified five key focus areas: renewable energy; agriculture and climate change; infectious diseases and medicinal plants; township economies; and African liberation heritage.

The institution has also intensified efforts to secure research funding from the private sector, national partners and international collaborators.

The impact of these initiatives is evident in the growth of National Research Foundation (NRF)-rated researchers at the university. The number increased from 29 in 2021 to 53 in 2025, representing growth of nearly 83%.

The university also achieved its first-ever B1 NRF rating in 2025 after producing two B2-rated researchers the previous year.

Postgraduate research capacity has expanded significantly. The proportion of permanently employed academics holding doctoral qualifications increased from 47% in 2022 to more than 65% in 2025, strengthening supervision capacity and contributing to higher master’s and doctoral graduation rates.

“The university’s improved postgraduate throughput contributed to its weighted per capita research output, which has now surpassed the national average,” Nyika said.

UFH plans to further strengthen its research and innovation profile through the establishment of a new Research and Innovation Hub, for which funding has already been secured.

The facility is expected to support collaboration between researchers, industry and investors while helping to commercialise innovations developed at the university.

The university said it is also advancing plans to establish a Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, building on its strengths in agricultural and animal science research.

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Sergeant Marline Niemand is part of a new generation of police officers using mounted policing to reach areas where vehicles cannot easily tread.

A SAPS horse rider with the Ekurhuleni Mounted Unit in Gauteng, Niemand carries out crime-prevention duties on horseback, patrolling areas such as mountainous terrain, riverbanks, farms and informal settlements.

Her four-legged colleague, “Bujo”, has become what she considers a loyal best friend, helping her serve communities and fight crime in a unique way.

Niemand joined the police in 2012 at the age of 21 after applying while serving as a volunteer at Springs Police Station.

Now 35, she remains driven by what “an unwavering passion for policing and a determination to expand her knowledge on every aspect of law enforcement”.

Becoming a police officer had always been her dream, although her mother initially had reservations about her chosen career path.

With her father being a police officer and her role model, SAPS said it was “only meant to be” for Niemand to fall in love with the profession.

She was ready to submit her application to join the organisation when she turned 18, but did not have her mother’s blessing at the time. However, Niemand refused to give up on her dream and three years later she was enlisted.

Her love and passion for animals first attracted her to the K9 Unit.

Niemand said she admires horses for their intelligence and enjoys the specialised nature of mounted policing.

Performing crime-prevention duties on horseback is pure joy for her, despite having no horse-riding experience before joining the unit.

She trained for the Basic Mounted Riding and Stable Official courses at the Potchefstroom Mounted Academy, where SAPS also breeds its horses.

“It is said that one policeman on a horse back is equal to 20 policemen on foot,” said Niemand.

In celebration of Youth Month, SAPS said it was highlighting the energy, dedication and leadership of young officers through its national campaign, “SAPS Youth – Leading the Reset Agenda.”

This year’s campaign recognises young men and women in blue who are playing an active role in advancing the SAPS’ vision of professional, ethical and community-focused policing.

In a message to South African youth, Niemand said: “I joined the SAPS because it is my calling, my passion, my childhood dream. I will continue to serve my community with dignity, honour, and pride.”

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Fans across the globe are gearing up for the highly anticipated opening ceremony, a dazzling showcase of music, culture, and football spirit that sets the stage for a month-long celebration of the beautiful game.

South Africa’s own Bafana Bafana will face Mexico in the tournament’s opening clash, carrying the hopes and pride of the nation.

Government has called on citizens to unite behind the team by wearing green or gold on Bafana Fridays and sharing in the excitement of this historic moment.

Stay tuned as the opening ceremony unfolds, a spectacular fusion of tradition and modern energy, marking the start of football’s greatest show.

Tyla is set to sing the South African national anthem during the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup.

The South African star will take center stage as part of the official opening ceremony celebrations.

Footage by SuperSport

Footage by Sky News

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Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile has warned municipalities against cutting water and electricity to schools over disputed bills, saying service interruptions disrupt learning and place additional pressure on already struggling communities.

Maile’s warning follows complaints from school communities in Emfuleni, where parents, school governing body members and principals accused the municipality of threatening to disconnect schools over disputed municipal accounts, including at schools where they said meters had not been installed.

Speaking during a community engagement at Sebokeng Technical School Hall on Wednesday, Maile said municipalities should engage the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) before taking action.

“I don’t understand why a municipality would find it easy to switch off services at a school and disrupt schooling. We will write to Emfuleni on these matters,” Maile said.

The meeting, attended by parents, school leaders and stakeholders from Sebokeng, Bophelong and surrounding areas, formed part of the province’s It Takes a Village to Raise a Child programme, a two-month initiative aimed at strengthening direct interaction between government, education stakeholders and communities on challenges affecting schools.

Stakeholders at the meeting said some schools were being billed “arbitrarily” and were not receiving adequate explanations for municipal charges. They said threats of disconnection were worsening pressure on schools already grappling with overcrowding, ageing infrastructure and social challenges.

In May, Maile said schools in the province owed municipalities R583.9 million in debt older than 60 days by the end of March 2026, while municipalities had physically cut electricity to at least 36 schools and more than 500 schools had been flagged for some form of billing-related disconnection.

A written response previously tabled in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature showed that 536 schools had experienced some form of billing-related disconnection in 2025, including 293 schools that were without services for at least 30 days and 16 schools that had water, electricity, waste and sewerage services disconnected simultaneously.

Maile said municipalities and the education department needed to work together to resolve billing disputes instead of resorting to service interruptions.  

Community members also raised concerns about school infrastructure and overcrowding, calling for decommissioned schools in the area to be reopened to ease pressure on existing institutions.

Maile said the department was exploring several options to address overcrowding.

“The department [is] also looking at buying former missionary schools and renovating them as a measure of dealing with overcrowding in some parts of Gauteng,” he said.

Former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Avril Phali also attended the event and encouraged the department to strengthen school sport programmes as a way of keeping young people away from crime and social ills.

Maile said the province was considering installing cameras in classrooms to help tackle bullying, crime and violence.

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Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela said on Thursday that government will gazette targeted extensions for some pre-2009 qualifications next week, as it moves to phase in a modern occupational qualifications system.

The extensions, expected to be published in the Government Gazette on Monday, form part of transitional arrangements under the Directive on Transitional Arrangements for Pre-2009 Qualifications, which was published on 3 June 2024.

“As government advances the transition towards a modernised occupational qualifications system, our foremost priority is to protect the value of qualifications, uphold public confidence in the skills development system, and ensure that every learner is afforded a fair and meaningful pathway to success and employability,” Manamela said.

“This transition is about far more than the replacement of legacy qualifications. It represents a fundamental step in building a more responsive, relevant and future-focused skills development system aligned with the needs of a rapidly evolving economy.”

He said the transition was one of the most significant reforms in South Africa’s post-school education and training system.

The directive established a policy framework to move South Africa from pre-2009 qualifications towards a modern occupational qualifications system that better reflects workplace requirements, technological advancement and the changing needs of the economy.

Its objectives include ensuring an orderly transition to a modernised qualifications framework, accelerating the development and implementation of occupational qualifications, strengthening the responsiveness and credibility of qualifications, improving alignment between education, training and labour market needs, and reinforcing accountability among SETAs, quality councils and other implementing bodies.

Manamela said substantial progress had been made through collaboration between the DHET, the South African Qualifications Authority, Quality Council for Trades and Occupations, SETAs, public institutions, Skills Development Providers and industry stakeholders.

To date, 948 occupational qualifications and part-qualifications have been registered on the National Qualifications Framework.

When the directive was issued, 1,475 pre-2009 qualifications had reached their registration end date.

Following consultation with stakeholders, 630 qualifications were approved for learner enrolment extension, while the remaining qualifications were deregistered because they had no learner enrolment or had been replaced by occupational qualifications.

“All affected qualifications allowed currently enrolled learners sufficient opportunity to complete their studies,” Manamela said.

He said government had assessed qualifications individually and grouped them according to their readiness and impact on learners and the skills development system.

Pre-2009 qualifications that qualify for further transitional support will receive targeted extensions ranging from six to 24 months, depending on sector readiness, learner impact, the availability of replacement qualifications and labour market requirements.

“These are not blanket extensions — each qualification has been assessed on its own merits,” Manamela said.

ALSO READ: Where to watch the big match: Bafana Bafana vs Mexico

The list of qualifications approved for extension will be published in the Government Gazette and on the SAQA website, together with the affected qualifications and their replacement occupational qualifications.

Manamela said learners currently enrolled in affected qualifications may continue their studies within the approved transitional arrangements, while accredited Skills Development Providers should familiarise themselves with the applicable extension periods and teach-out requirements.

The department has also issued separate teach-out arrangements for NATED Report 190-1 programmes because of their continued relevance in the education and training landscape.

“Students currently enrolled in N4 to N6 programmes should therefore continue with their studies as planned and should not be concerned that their qualifications will lose recognition,” Manamela said.

The department is working with SETAs, industry partners and other government departments to facilitate placement opportunities that will allow qualifying students to complete their National N Diplomas.

Manamela said government would grant extensions of up to three years for regulatory unit standards that continue to underpin statutory and industry programmes, to allow regulators and industries time to review programme requirements and transition to replacement occupational skills programmes.

For trades, he said no further extension would be required where occupational qualifications had already been developed and implemented. However, targeted transitional arrangements of about one year may be considered where replacement occupational qualifications have not yet been fully developed or implemented.

The department has appointed a technical task team to oversee and coordinate the transition process.

Manamela said the team would identify and resolve implementation bottlenecks, monitor progress against clear timelines, and coordinate workstreams dealing with communications, legal and regulatory matters, SETA coordination, data management, assessment to certification, quality assurance, TVET rollout, funding norms and monitoring and evaluation.

He said the department, with support from SETAs, facilitates the placement of about 21,000 TVET students in workplaces annually.

The department was also prioritising engagements with public- and private-sector employers to expand work-integrated learning opportunities, while exploring funding mechanisms with SETAs, the National Skills Fund and employers.

“Every qualification that has already been awarded remains valid, recognised and recorded on the National Learners’ Records Database (NLRD),” he said.

He said legacy qualifications had contributed meaningfully to workforce development and economic participation over many years, but the economy had changed and the skills system had to adapt.

“However, these qualifications have favoured the classroom over the workshop. What we are introducing are qualifications that guarantee practical experience and workplace placement,” Manamela said.

ALSO READ: Undercover cops to be deployed along Comrades route

DDG responsible for TVET Colleges, Sam Zungu, said TVET colleges had experienced an oversupply in areas such as Office Administration, Human Resource Management, Public Administration and Marketing, where demand was not matched by the number of students enrolled.

He said these programmes were under review to ensure TVET colleges offer skills that are in demand.

He said after requests from the mining sector, TVET’s would be amplifying drone technology and robotics.

Manamela said the reforms were aimed at building public confidence in the post-school education and training system and making qualifications more responsive to industry needs.

“Our objective is clear: to build a qualifications system that commands public trust, meets the demands of industry, supports economic development and equips South Africans with the skills required to thrive in the jobs of today and the opportunities of the future,” he said.

He said SAQA and the QCTO would continue to monitor implementation, qualification uptake, learner progression and overall system performance beyond the extension period, in collaboration with SETAs, Skills Development Providers, TVET colleges, employers and industry stakeholders.

“Finally, South Africa is moving towards a modern, high-quality occupational qualifications system that responds to the needs of industry, strengthens the competitiveness of our economy and expands opportunities for all. This transition is the beginning of a stronger, more responsive and future-ready skills development system that will serve generations of South Africans to come,” Manamela said.

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South Africa is ready. The wait is finally over as Bafana Bafana return to football’s biggest stage when they take on Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday night, local time. 

Across the country, fan parks, shopping centres and public viewing venues are gearing up for what promises to be a memorable night of football, music and national pride. Whether you want to celebrate with thousands of supporters or enjoy the action with family at home, here are some of the best places to catch the big game.

Mall of Africa, Midrand

One of the biggest public viewing events in Gauteng will take place on the lawns near the food court at Mall of Africa. Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, will join supporters alongside Bafana Bafana legends for an evening filled with football fever.

Fans can look forward to live entertainment, featured artist performances, spot prizes and exciting supporter experiences. 

Gates open at 18:00 and entry is free on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Melrose Arch, Johannesburg

The Piazza and Square at Melrose Arch will transform into a vibrant fan park atmosphere with giant LED screens showing the match live. Supporters are encouraged to arrive early, dress warmly and soak up the electric atmosphere.

With restaurants and entertainment venues surrounding the viewing area, it is expected to be one of Johannesburg’s most popular destinations for the World Cup opener. 

The Pavilion Shopping Centre, Durban

Football fans in KwaZulu-Natal can head to The Pavilion Shopping Centre in Westville. Gates open at 18:00, with live performances from DJ Tira and the Q Twins adding to the excitement before kick-off.

The combination of football, music and family-friendly entertainment promises an unforgettable evening for supporters.

Makhado Crossing, Limpopo

Limpopo supporters can gather at Makhado Crossing for a full day of entertainment. Gates open at 14:00, giving fans plenty of time to enjoy music, food stalls, family activities and competitions before the match begins.

Supporters are encouraged to wear their green and gold colours, with prizes up for grabs throughout the day.

Lemo Green Park, Bloemfontein

Free State football lovers have their own World Cup celebration at Lemo Green Park in Bloemfontein. The venue will host a dedicated fan park experience from 18:00, featuring live match screenings, entertainment and commentary from soccer legends. 

Cape Town Fan Zones

The Mother City is buzzing with World Cup excitement. Popular viewing venues include the V&A Waterfront’s Time Out Market, Mojo Market in Sea Point and several fan-friendly venues across the city. 

Supporters can expect big screens, food, music and an atmosphere worthy of the occasion as Bafana Bafana begin their World Cup journey.

Watching from home

For viewers at home, the match kicks off at 21:00 and will be broadcast live on SABC Sport, SABC 1, and SABC 3, with streaming available on SABC Plus and SABC Sport’s live platform.

Shaaaapaaa Bafana Shaaaapaaa!

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KZN police have identified crime hotspots and will deploy uniformed and undercover officers along the Comrades Marathon route after vehicle-related thefts were reported during last year’s race.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS) said it had “put the necessary safety and security measures in place” to ensure the province delivers an incident-free ultra-marathon.

More than 21,000 runners are expected to take part in the 2026 up-run, which starts in Durban and finishes in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday.

ALSO READ: Eskom launches green power as carbon rules squeeze SA exporters

“Various departments and entities that form part of the PROVJOINTS have been participating in plenary meetings for months and have developed a comprehensive operational plan that ensures safety and security for runners, officials, and spectators,” PROVJOINTS said.

Spectators were urged “to be vigilant at all times and be mindful of their surroundings”.

PROVJOINTS said the Comrades Marathon Association, working with eThekwini Metro and uMgungundlovu traffic officials, had communicated road closures, and road users were urged to cooperate with law enforcement officers during the marathon weekend.

It said the entire route had been declared a no-fly zone, with only authorised operational aircraft and drones permitted to fly.

“Any unauthorised drone will be taken down operationally in accordance with the law,” PROVJOINTS said.

They also warned against the display of offensive or political material along the route.

“The displaying of banners depicting unsavoury and/or politically aligned messages on bridges, road signs, and buildings will be dealt with in compliance with municipal by-laws and other statutes.”

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Thousands of Gauteng learners could again face school placement challenges in 2027 as the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has yet to announce when Grade 1 and Grade 8 admissions will open, despite the academic year already being well underway.

DA shadow MEC for Education Sergio Isa Dos Santos on Tuesday urged the department to urgently release the admissions timetable, warning that continued delays could leave learners unplaced when schools reopen next year.

ALSO READ: OUTA calls for forensic probe after Inseta suspends CEO Gugu Mkhize

“The delay in opening the admissions process reduces the time available to properly process applications, verify information, and finalise placements before the start of the academic year,” Dos Santos said.

He said past delays had already had serious consequences for learners and parents.

“During the 2026 admissions cycle, thousands of learners remained unplaced as schools prepared to reopen, with some only receiving placements in March when the first term was almost over,” he said.

Popular schools in Gauteng continue to reach capacity quickly, while infrastructure expansion has struggled to keep pace with rising learner numbers.

At the same time, administrative backlogs in the admissions system have added to delays in finalising placements, leaving many parents uncertain about where their children will be placed.

In this environment, perceptions of unfairness often arise, particularly when communication from education authorities is limited and clear timelines are not provided.

In previous years, some parents only received placements weeks into the academic year, heightening frustration over the system’s efficiency.

ALSO READ: DA takes child pregnancy crisis to SAHRC over failures to prosecute statutory rape

The issue of school non-placement is not framed around citizens versus non-citizens, but rather as a system under strain that is struggling to meet demand.

While the Constitution guarantees every child the right to basic education, stakeholders argue that this right is undermined when learners are not placed timeously and consistently.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for the immediate opening of the 2027 admissions process, alongside improved planning measures such as decentralised walk-in centres and stronger communication with parents.

The party argues that earlier application windows would give the department more time to process placements, reduce administrative pressure, and allow families to plan for school-related costs such as uniforms, transport and stationery.

“The department must learn from its past mistakes. We cannot continue to repeat a cycle where learners are left unplaced or placed too late into the school year,” Dos Santos said.

The DA further maintains that improved and earlier admissions management would help reduce administrative errors and ensure learners are placed before the start of the academic year, limiting disruption to schooling.

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The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) said on Tuesday that the suspension of Insurance Sector Training Authority (Inseta) CEO Gugu Mkhize should trigger a forensic investigation into governance, procurement and financial management concerns at the public entity.

OUTA has for several years raised concerns about governance, procurement, transparency and accountability at Inseta.

The organisation said the suspension should mark the beginning, rather than the end, of efforts to establish the full extent of any maladministration or wrongdoing at the SETA.

The Sunday Times reported that Mkhize had been placed on precautionary suspension over failures regarding a multimillion-rand tertiary education bursary funding scheme, which had left hundreds of students unpaid for the first five months of the year.

According to the report, 879 vulnerable beneficiaries faced threats of eviction, food insecurity and possible academic exclusion after Inseta paid Mabophe Business Solutions almost R70 million in March, but the funds did not reach students, universities or accommodation providers.

The Sunday Times said that Inseta later made a direct emergency payment of R4.6 million during the week of 21 May, while Inseta said the suspension was a procedural step and “not a finding of wrongdoing”.

Inseta manages billions of rands collected through skills development levies and is responsible for advancing skills development within South Africa’s insurance sector. OUTA said those public funds must be managed with the highest levels of integrity, transparency and accountability.

“For years, serious questions have been raised about governance, procurement, and transparency at Inseta,” said Wayne Duvenage, OUTA CEO.

“A suspension is not accountability. It is the start of a process. South Africans now need assurance that these concerns will be investigated thoroughly, independently, and without fear or favour.”

OUTA is currently challenging Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela’s decision to reappoint Mkhize for a further five-year term from 2025 to 2030.

It has instituted legal proceedings to review and set aside the decision to reappoint Mkhize to the Inseta Board, contending that the appointment process was procedurally flawed and failed to consider concerns relating to governance and accountability adequately.

During Mkhize’s tenure as the accounting authority, Inseta received qualified audit outcomes for five consecutive years.

OUTA said it had submitted numerous requests for information to Inseta over several years in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, seeking records related to governance and procurement matters. Despite following the prescribed processes, it said the requested information was not provided.

After escalating the matter to the Information Regulator, OUTA said it continued to pursue all available avenues to obtain access to the information and remained committed to ensuring transparency and accountability at Inseta.

“Transparency is not optional in publicly funded institutions,” said Duvenage.

“When access to information is repeatedly denied, and concerns remain unanswered, public confidence is undermined. Accountability requires openness, particularly where public funds are involved.”

OUTA said any investigation should go beyond the immediate circumstances of Mkhize’s suspension and examine governance, procurement, and financial management concerns within Inseta.

“A credible investigation must follow the evidence wherever it leads,” said Duvenage.

“It should establish whether there was irregular or wasteful expenditure, whether procurement processes complied with the law, whether conflicts of interest existed, and whether any provisions of the Public Finance Management Act were breached.”

OUTA said the suspension represented an important development, but that accountability would ultimately be measured by the quality of the investigation and the consequences that followed if wrongdoing was uncovered.

“If misconduct is identified, appropriate disciplinary, civil, and criminal action must follow. South Africans deserve confidence that public institutions are governed in the public interest and not for the benefit of a few.”

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KwaZulu-Natal’s departments of education and health face deductions from future budget allocations after the provincial Treasury tabled a bill to recover more than R1 billion in historic unauthorised expenditure.

The recovery forms part of the KwaZulu-Natal Second Unauthorised Expenditure Authorisation Bill, 2026, tabled by Finance MEC Francois Rodgers in the provincial legislature on Thursday.

The Department of Education faces the largest repayment, of about R955 million, while the Department of Health, faces a repayment of about R91 million.

The deductions are expected to be made over seven financial years.

ALSO READ: Vodacom invests R4m in ICT hub for Mpumalanga special needs school

“Where departments have overspent their budgets, they should rightfully pay those amounts back to the Revenue Fund, as they spent money they did not have and were effectively operating in overdraft,” Rodgers told the legislature.

“The money must be repaid and, more importantly, controls should be implemented to prevent the same situation from recurring.

“Consequence management should be considered where there has been blatant financial misconduct by government officials,” he said.

Rodgers said the unauthorised expenditure that was not condoned would be recovered through future budget allocations.

“This, in effect, is a reduction in the budget of these departments and will be implemented over a period of seven years, given the fiscal constraints and the need to limit the impact on service delivery.”

The bill follows recommendations by the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), which considered unauthorised expenditure incurred by provincial departments over several financial years.

Under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), unauthorised expenditure includes spending more than the amount appropriated for a vote or programme, or spending funds for purposes not approved by the legislature.

The move comes as the Department of Education is already under a Provincial Treasury intervention in terms of section 18 of the PFMA, after sustained cash-flow and financial governance problems.

ALSO READ: WCED rejects racial profiling claims, clashes with Parliament over admissions inquiry

Under that intervention, the department’s spending is subject to tighter Treasury oversight. The department has faced pressure from unpaid commitments, compensation costs and operational demands, raising concerns about its ability to fund core services while settling old obligations.

The Auditor-General previously flagged KZN education as one of the departments that had incurred unauthorised expenditure for several consecutive years.

The bill records that part of the education department’s overspending related to infrastructure repairs after storm damage in 2019.

“Infrastructure Development reflects over-expenditure against goods and services due to higher property maintenance costs relating to the repair of schools damaged by storms in 2019 as the magnitude of damage was worse than anticipated,” the bill says.

The department also recorded over-expenditure in programmes including Administration, Public Ordinary School Education, Public Special School Education, Early Childhood Development and Infrastructure Development.

The bill says over-expenditure in Early Childhood Development was linked to pressure on compensation of employees following substantial budget reductions.

The Department of Health’s unauthorised expenditure dates back to the 2019/20 financial year and was linked to increased costs for the provision of HIV/Aids medication.

The bill will still have to proceed through the legislature’s law-making process.

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Junior Springboks head coach Kevin Foote has named an extended 38-man training squad as South Africa intensifies preparations for the World Rugby Junior World Championship in Georgia later this month.

The majority of the players will assemble in Stellenbosch from Monday for the final phase of preparations, although 10 members of the squad are in the wider Springbok group for the Springboks-Barbarians clash and SA ‘A’ fixture against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha on 20 June, while Cheswill Jooste remains on Vodacom Bulls duty.

“We are very excited for the players who have been called up to the senior Springbok group, and we have our contingencies in place as we continue with our final block of preparations. Given the number of players called up to the Springboks, we have selected a wider training group for this [training] camp in Stellenbosch,” Foote said.

The Junior Boks head into the global tournament in confident mood after winning both the recent U20 International Series and the SANZAAR U20 Rugby Championship, with Foote opting to retain a group made up entirely of players who have featured in previous training camps and international competitions.

A significant boost for South African rugby development came with 10 members of the Junior Bok setup earning call-ups to the senior Springbok training group ahead of the Barbarians clash and SA ‘A’ fixture against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha on 20 June.

Junior Boks captain Riley Norton is among those selected for senior duty, alongside props Oliver Reid and Danie Kruger, hookers Siphosethu Mnebelele and Liam van Wyk, backs Vusi Moyo, Yaqeen Ahmed, Luan Giliomee, Markus Muller and Zekhethelo Siyaya.

Wing Cheswill Jooste remains with the Vodacom Bulls as they prepare for the United Rugby Championship Grand Final, while prop Kai Pratt was unavailable for selection due to injury.

The remaining 27 players will begin training in Stellenbosch immediately, while those involved with senior teams are expected to re-join the Junior Boks before the squad departs for Georgia on 22 June.

“We are also pleased that we were able to give members of our extended training group game time during the recent U20 International Series and the U20 Rugby Championship. That gave us an excellent opportunity to continue building squad depth and cohesion, while also broadening our international experience,” Foote said.

The expanded squad has players drawn from the Vodacom Bulls, DHL Stormers, Hollywoodbets Sharks and Fidelity Securedrive Lions structures.

Junior Boks training squad assembling in Stellenbosch:

Props: Rambo Kubheka, Jordan Jooste, Luan van der Berg, Bongani Dlamini.

Hookers: Altus Rabe, Mahle Sithole.

Locks: Heinrich Theron, JD Hattingh, Jaythen Orange.

Loose Forwards: Kebotile Maake, Risima Khosa, Luke Cannon, Wasi Vyambwera, Quintin Potgieter, Vuyo Gwiji, Gert Kemp, Thomas Beling.

Scrumhalves: Hendré Schoeman, Jayden Brits.

Centres: Ethan Adams, Samuel Badenhorst, Pieter van der Merwe.

Outside Backs: Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, Jordan Steenkamp, Jack Benade, Alzeadon Felix, Akahluwa Boqwana.

Players to join after Springbok and URC duties include Oliver Reid, Danie Kruger, Siphosethu Mnebelele, Liam van Wyk, Riley Norton, Yaqeen Ahmed, Vusi Moyo, Luan Giliomee, Markus Muller, Cheswill Jooste and Zekhethelo Siyaya.

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Deputy higher education minister Mimmy Gondwe has called for private higher education institutions to help expand access for school-leavers, as demand for post-school education and training continues to grow.

Gondwe made the call on Monday during the first of three engagements with private institutions at Emeris, Sandton.

The meetings are aimed at strengthening relations with private providers and promoting collaboration to address urgent challenges in the Post-School Education and Training sector.

These include expanding access for all students, creating a business-friendly environment for private investment in education, and fostering innovation and responsiveness to labour market needs.

Gondwe said access within private higher institutions remained a growing challenge and should be expanded through partnerships with private higher education providers for students graduating from high school.

She said demand for higher education and training was increasing rapidly, and that engagement with private institutions could help improve tangible access.

“[T]oday’s discussion is trying to get a sense from our private higher in relation to the role that they can play, in helping us, encounter some of the challenges that we’re experiencing in the sector,” Gondwe said.

“I don’t want us to be in a situation where we have this conversation around the need to expand access every year without coming up with tangibles in relation to how to expand access.”

Gondwe said expanded access could also allow private higher education institutions to assist with funding to develop specialised universities.

She said this would require a long-term commitment from government.

“There is definitely an appetite for us to partner around building universities, which will ensure that we can expand access. We’ve got to make sure that there’s funding for those students to come into the higher education space,” she said.

Gondwe also raised concerns about the difficulties students face in securing placement in the labour market after graduation.

She said the department was working to ensure students were placed after completing their studies.

”We have left it to TVET students who are doing hospitality to find work-based learning placements, and I think that’s very unfair. So I spoke to them about how we can partner to better ensure that our students are placed.”

The engagements will conclude on Wednesday.

They form part of efforts to ensure private colleges are registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training and offer programmes accredited by recognised quality assurance bodies, including the South African Qualifications Authority, the Quality Council for Trades & Occupations, and the Council on Higher Education. INSIDE EDUCATION

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Learners in Ga-Maloka Village near Lichtenburg will no longer have to travel long distances to access primary education after the North West Department of Education opened a newly built, fully equipped school in the rural community.

Thalefang Primary School was officially opened by Provincial Education MEC Viola Motsumi. The handover ceremony was accompanied by the donation of 100 pairs of school shoes to learners.

The school includes 14 fully furnished classrooms, two Grade R classrooms, a science laboratory, multimedia centre comprising a computer room and library, an administration block, nutrition kitchen and dining hall, as well as separate ablution facilities for boys, girls, educators and learners with disabilities.

According to the department, learners will also benefit from recreational and sporting facilities, including a multi-purpose combi court that caters for volleyball, netball, basketball and tennis, as well as a playground designed for younger children.

The school is equipped with water tanks and secure fencing around the premises.

Residents have welcomed the new school, saying it will spare children from travelling long distances to access education and provide a safer and more conducive learning environment closer to home.

“This school belongs to the community. We expect learners to take good care of the infrastructure because future generations of children from Ga-Maloka will depend on these facilities for quality education and a safe learning environment,” said Motsumi.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn in a dignified and well-resourced environment. Through investments such as Thalefang Primary School, we are building a stronger foundation for the future of our children and the development of our province,” she said.

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The 4 November local government elections are facing an early test of public confidence, with most unregistered young voters showing little intention of joining the voters’ roll ahead of the first national registration weekend later this month.

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA), through its Youth Commission, said it was mobilising young people to participate in the local elections amid growing concern over a widening voter participation gap and a trust deficit that has seen fewer people going to the polls in successive elections.

SALGA has encouraged young South Africans to use Youth Month as an opportunity to take action by registering to vote and preparing to shape the future of their municipalities.

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The national voter registration weekend will take place on 20 and 21 June 2026.

 “According to recent Public Opinion Research by the GCIS (government communications), South Africa approaches the 2026 local government elections amid ‘entrenched public pessimism and active democratic disengagement,’ as the public lose motivation for participating in voting,” SALGA said.

It said the study found that 62% of unregistered voters had no intention of registering, while only 38% of unregistered respondents said they were open to registration.

SALGA Youth Commission chairperson Lucky Sele said it was troubling that more than 60% of non-registered youth aged 18-34 did not plan to register, describing them as “millions of potential first-time or second-time voters absent from the rolls”.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has identified young people as a key audience in efforts to strengthen democratic participation.

It has said that more than 70% of young South Africans have not registered to vote, the result of growing distrust in democratic institutions and elections.

ALSO READ: Government rebukes Dr Charles Sinkala over claim that S89 of the Constitution ‘killed’ SOEs

However, the commission has said it aims to combat increasing political disengagement among young voters by integrating democratic education into the digital and cultural spaces in which they engage.

“The SALGA believes that local democracy will only be strengthened when young people choose to participate actively in shaping the councils, priorities, and decisions that affect their daily lives,” the association said.

Sele said that “young people cannot afford to be absent from decisions that affect jobs, service delivery, accountability, and the future of their communities”.

The SALGA Youth Commission said it would use June 2026 to launch a targeted youth mobilisation programme that includes public messaging, media engagement and youth dialogues on the role of young people in strengthening local democracy.

“Young people are urged to take advantage of the voter registration weekend on 20-21 June 2026, register where they live, verify their details, and prepare to use their democratic voice responsibly on 4 November 2026,” it said.

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Play should sit naturally in early childhood education, as it reflects how young children come to know themselves, others and the world. 

Yet too often, play is the very space that requires the most protection. 

This tension usually arises from a culture that prioritises early academic achievement and holds the belief that accelerating formal learning guarantees future success.

When children are rushed or pressured into formalised academic outcomes too early, short-term gains may be visible for some, but the long-term cost can be significant, an education expert says.

Play is not separate from learning; it is the medium through which learning becomes possible.  

Early learning that prioritises performance over understanding risks weakening curiosity, motivation and wellbeing. 

ALSO READ: DA takes child pregnancy crisis to SAHRC over failures to prosecute statutory rape

Strong foundations are built not through acceleration, but through experiences that nurture thinking, communication, collaboration, and joy – conditions that sustain lifelong learning.

Children engage with play in ways that reflect their own pace, interests, and needs.

It provides space for difference and diversity while offering opportunities for connection and shared experience. Importantly, play supports emotional regulation and prepares children for future learning by strengthening the foundations required for inquiry, reflection, and participation in real-world contexts.

Play and responsiveness are often described as abstract concepts, yet they require intentional commitment from both educators and families. 

Responsiveness asks adults to understand the value of play and to reflect on their role within it: how they observe, when they intervene, how they extend thinking, and how they remain present without directing or interfering. 

By engaging in careful observation and thoughtful support, adults come to know children more deeply, including learning about their interests, strengths, and emerging identities.

It also plays a big role in building key life skills – things like thinking deeply or critically, solving problems, working with others, communicating effectively, and self-management. When children play, they’re constantly exploring new ideas, testing their theories, inventing solutions, and figuring out how the world works. Along the way, they learn to take manageable risks and handle challenges. And, very importantly, to stick with things even when they’re difficult, which gradually builds their confidence and a real mindset for growth.

Partnerships between families and educators are central to this work. 

Together, they can create learning experiences that balance freedom and structure, offering both flexibility and clear boundaries. This balance provides children with emotional safety while teaching respect for themselves, for others, and for the environment. Such stability supports the development of empathy, resilience, and perseverance.

ALSO READ: More than 1.1 million learners report school violence, Stats SA says

Within these conditions, children form relationships, make connections, and gradually become independent learners. They develop conceptual understanding and learn to reason, transfer knowledge, and apply ideas in new contexts, moving from concrete experience toward more abstract thinking.

Any tension between our aspirations for children and our understanding of play and responsiveness deserves careful reflection. 

When adults deepen their understanding of why play matters and how responsiveness supports learning, they are better positioned to guide children with intention and trust. 

Ultimately, early learning is not only about what children know, but about how they think, how they relate to others, and how they come to see themselves in the world, a world full of possibility.

Lynda Eagle is  Advtech Schools Specialist: Early Years Phase.

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