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SA National Research Foundation secures R86.7m for climate research collaboration

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SA National Research Foundation secures R86.7m for climate research collaboration

By Lebone Rodah Mosima

The National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa has announced funding for 10 transdisciplinary research projects, each led by researchers based at African institutions.

The NRF is an independent statutory body created to advance research and innovation in South Africa.

In a statement released this week, it said that in collaboration with the Belmont Forum, it invited climate change researchers across Africa to apply for CRA (Collaboration Research Funding) over a year ago.

“The Belmont Forum is a group of funding agencies from around the world that support transdisciplinary, globally representative research groups and coproduction/participatory methods to address various global environmental change topics,” the NRF said.

It said the initiative sought to address “knowledge gaps and priorities in addressing climate change vulnerability across the continent,” identified during scoping sessions with researchers.

The work, it added, was carried out in support of the African Union’s climate, environment, and sustainability goals and priority areas for Agenda 2063.

The CRA focused on three main themes: the water-energy-food-health nexus, pollution, and disaster preparedness, responsiveness, and recovery. The “green and blue economy” was identified as a cross-cutting issue, while education and awareness were encouraged as complementary activities.

According to the NRF, the funding call generated 172 pre-proposals, while 59 full proposals were submitted by researchers from across the world.

The 10 projects ultimately selected were “led by researchers based at African institutions … following a comprehensive review”.

The selected projects will each be funded for three years, and “represent diverse research efforts that address the complex challenges at the interface of climate, environment, and health in Africa,” the statement said.

“This is one of the most significant funding administration initiatives the NRF has undertaken in recent years,” said Dr Nare Prudence Makhura, Executive Director: International Grants and Partnerships.

“It reflects our strong commitment to supporting African-led, solutions-driven research that tackles the pressing challenges of climate change on the continent. Equally, it highlights the sophistication of our funding administration systems to effectively manage complex, multi-partner international collaborations.”

The NRF said €4.29 million (R86.7 million) had been committed over three years by 14 funders. The NRF will contribute €1 million to support the participation of South African researchers in the initiative”.

Across the 10 projects, there are a total of 126 team members. Ten are African consortium leads, 29 are co-principal investigators and 87 are project partners.

The participants include 87 natural scientists, 23 social scientists, and 16 societal partners.

“In terms of continental representation, 97 of the team members are from Africa, representing 16 countries: Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, DRC, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda; five are from Asia, represented by Turkey; 17 are from Europe represented by France, Germany, Spain and Switzerland; six are from North America, represented by the United States of America; and one is from South America, represented by Brazil,” said the statement.

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Phodisho Maganyela, 15, wins national youth essay competition

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Phodisho Maganyela, 15, wins national youth essay competition

By Palesa Nguqu

Phodisho Samuel Maganyela, a 15-year-old Grade 10 learner from Lesedi Secondary School in the Tshwane District, Bronkhorstspruit, has won top honours in the 2025 Bokamoso Creative Essay Competition, held recently in Klipspruit, Gauteng.

Maganyela impressed judges with his imaginative yet practical essay on how young minds can engineer sustainable solutions to address South Africa’s pressing socio-economic and environmental challenges.

The competition, themed “Innovating for Impact: How Young Minds Can Engineer a Sustainable South Africa,” invited Grade 10 and 11 learners from no-fee and government-funded schools to submit essays proposing innovative ideas that could help shape the country’s future.

Entries were judged on originality, creativity, and relevance to issues such as energy and water security, waste management, infrastructure development, and equitable access to education.

Hosted by Knight Piésold in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), the initiative aims to promote youth engagement in sustainability and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Maganyela’s essay stood out for its visionary ideas rooted in science and engineering principles.

Vishal Haripersad, Managing Director of Knight Piésold South Africa, praised the young winner and the broader initiative.

“This competition showcases the incredible creativity and potential of South Africa’s youth. Each essay reflects a deep awareness of the challenges we face as a nation and an inspiring determination to engineer positive change,” said Haripersad.

He added that mentorship lies at the heart of the company’s culture.

“This competition extends our values by supporting young thinkers long before they reach university or enter the workplace,” he said.

Haripersad said the company plans to expand the programme’s reach in future.

“Our vision for the Bokamoso Creative Essay Competition extends far beyond recognition — it’s about creating lasting impact. We aim to bring more engineers and scientists on board by offering bursaries and mentorships to students pursuing STEM careers, particularly in civil engineering,” he said.

He noted that Knight Piésold intends to include more under-resourced schools across South Africa by 2026 through stronger partnerships with educators, NGOs, and government departments.

“Through storytelling and visibility, we want to highlight learners whose ideas create real-world change. Sharing their journeys will inspire others and show how creativity and critical thinking in STEM can solve real problems,” Haripersad said.

“This initiative is not just an annual event. We remain engaged with schools throughout the year as part of our investment in future generations.”

The competition has already contributed to educational upliftment in Gauteng, providing resources and support to enhance STEM learning in under-resourced schools.

Crescentia Ngwenya from the Gauteng Department of Education commended the partnership.

“STEM education is a vital driver of innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness. Initiatives like this inspire learners to pursue careers that will shape South Africa’s future,” said Ngwenya.

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Wits welcomes top applicants for 2026

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Wits welcomes top applicants for 2026

Wits University recently hosted its annual Top Applicants Function, welcoming some of the most outstanding applicants for 2026 to campus.

The event, organised by the School Liaison Office, gave prospective students the chance to experience Wits firsthand, meet the university’s deans, and interact with lecturers and researchers.

In his address, Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Zeblon Vilakazi spoke about the future that awaits the next generation of Wits students.

“Whether you study engineering, medicine, law, economics, psychology or physics, what matters is that you find your why. Your why is your true north, your centre,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of using skills ethically in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

“AI, like all other scientific machines, does not have a conscience of its own. It is us who impose that conscience on them. Therefore, we need to utilise these tools in a very ethical way.”

He also encouraged students to measure success not by titles or salaries, but by the impact they have on those around them.

“Don’t chase success for the sake of success. Measure your worth by the difference you make to those around you. We want you to be indispensable to your community, your country, this continent, and the world in general.”

A glimpse into Wits life

The function combined informative sessions with a welcoming atmosphere, allowing applicants to explore different faculties, learn about the courses they are interested in, and engage directly with departmental heads.

“We hope that by engaging with our academic leaders and experiencing campus life, applicants will feel prepared and excited to join Wits in 2026,” said Msimelelo Tshotyana from the School Liaison Office.

For many attendees, the experience was both eye-opening and affirming. Joshua Fynn, a top applicant from Amajuba High School, shared that the sense of belonging stood out most.

“I chose Wits because of the strong culture and the first-year students who welcomed me, not just as a number, but as part of the family,” he said.

“That strong culture really resonates with me.”

Parents and guardians were equally impressed. Le’Anne Ponen, who attended with her son, Carlin, said she was inspired by the environment and the people she met.

“From what I could see here, it’s very diverse, and I love that. There’s a spirit of excellence that flows through everything, even the response and feedback from the faculty were absolutely amazing,” she said.

The day was both inspiring and practical, giving prospective students and their families a clear sense of what life at Wits will be like and how they can make their mark on the world.

Courtesy: Wits University

‘Robot’ helps Tygerberg specialists on ward rounds during pandemic

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‘Robot’ helps Tygerberg specialists on ward rounds during pandemic

Intensive-care specialists at Tygerberg Hospital have a new infection-resistant ‘colleague’ helping them do ward rounds on Covid-19 patients. “Quintin” – as ‘he’ is affectionately called – is a Double Robotic ‘robot’ that has been employed to help specialists do ‘virtual’ ward rounds – even from home – if they are unable to be physically present.

Coenie Koegelenberg, Professor of Pulmonology at Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), started experimenting with options to perform virtual ward rounds in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Tygerberg Hospital shortly before South Africa’s lockdown, and is assured that ICU specialists can, indeed, run ward rounds remotely, using robots as tireless helpers that can’t get infected.

Tygerberg Hospital has a limited number of specialists in its general medical ICU at present.

“Between the specialists, we will share the workload of Covid-19 patients who end up in ICU. The odds of at least one or all of us falling ill are quite high, so we need to realistically plan for what could happen.

“If any of the specialists gets the virus and is unable to physically go to work, we will be able to function remotely using the robot, from a phone or a laptop,” said Koegelenberg.

“Using this device will enable us to provide a service if our skills sets are in short supply.”

The idea of using robots came about through “a combination of thoughts of many people,” Koegelenberg said. “We started wondering how we could help more people if we ourselves were to fall ill.”

His wife Dr Suretha Kannenberg, a dermatologist, had told him about this device.

“On Wednesday 18 March, on my way home after many meetings, I wondered whether ‘virtual’ ward rounds in many ICUs could be feasible. I phoned my wife and shared my thoughts. I had thought of using a fancy ‘nanny cam’ she bought a few years ago.

“She suggested using the Sunskill laboratory’s Double Robotic ‘robot’ instead. [Sunskill is a state of the art clinical training facility at the FMHS]. I was not familiar with this device. The next day I met with Professor Ian Vlok from the FMHS’ Division of Neurosurgery and the Sunskill facilities manager, Bronwyn Stockenstrom who gave me a ‘crash course’ on how to use the Double Robotic ‘robot’. The Sunskill lab without any hesitation agreed to have the robots be used in the ICU until the pandemic is over.

“On Friday Dr Usha Lalla (Tygerberg Hospital’s head of ICU) and I tested the device. We performed a full ICU ward round without entering the ICU. It was truly an eye opener and a potential game changer in this and future similar pandemics. It was a remarkable success! We both concluded (with more than 30 years of combined experience in ICU) that our physical presence was not required, and that the technology has great potential to be rolled out. This is, of course, anecdotal and not ‘true evidence’, but desperate times calls for desperate measures. Moreover, should one of us be under ‘self-quarantine’, we would be able to ‘work from home’.”

The “robot” that looks like an computer tablet and has two wheels, uses gyroscope and accelerometer sensors in its base and can be controlled with a desktop, tablet or smartphone. It enables communication between patient and doctor through a microphone and a zoom function and can relay vital signs of highly infectious patients.

Robots have also been used in Italy, where the pandemic has claimed many lives, including those of doctors.

The use of the robot at Tygerberg Hospital is yet another example of how the pandemic has brought ingenuity and collaboration to the fore.

“This has been a team effort – and such a bonding experience,” said Koegelenberg.

Vlok, who oversees activity at the Sunskill lab, said: “The Sunskill clinical training facility uses world class technology to further the skills training of our postgraduate students at Stellenbosch University. The robots have given us access to international and national experts in their fields for training with their virtual presence guiding the teaching and training. Now the same technology can allow us to carefully navigate and manage patients in a high-risk environment and reduce risk to our staff. I sincerely hope this initiative will not only have a positive effect during this pandemic but open the door for further innovation and collaboration.”

Courtesy: Stellenbosch University

Manamela hails SAQA’s new era of innovation and integrity

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Manamela hails SAQA’s new era of innovation and integrity

By Thapelo Molefe

The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, has hailed the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) as a beacon of transformation, integrity, and innovation in South Africa’s education landscape, as he officially opened the new SAQA House in Hillcrest, Pretoria on Friday.

The event, which coincided with SAQA’s 30th anniversary, marked what Manamela described as a renewed commitment to excellence, integrity, and inclusiveness in education and training.

Manamela said far more than the unveiling of a new building, the occasion symbolised a bold new chapter for an institution that has, since its inception, been central to democratising education and recognising learning in all its forms.

“This new home represents not just bricks and mortar, but the living heart of South Africa’s qualifications system, one that connects aspiration with opportunity, and opportunity with hope,” Manamela said.

Reflecting on SAQA’s three-decade journey, the Minister paid tribute to its pivotal role in transforming a racially divided education system into one anchored on equity and inclusion.

Established in 1995 alongside the birth of democracy, SAQA was tasked with developing and maintaining the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), ensuring that all learning, formal, informal, or experiential is valued and recognised.

“From its very conceptualisation, SAQA has been a democratic tool transforming a previously inequitable system of race-based education into an integrated framework centred on the NQF,” Manamela said. “Today, the NQF stands as a cornerstone of our national education system, ensuring that every form of learning is recognised, valued, and connected.”

The minister highlighted that over the years, SAQA has emerged as a model of good governance and professionalism within the public sector, consistently achieving clean audits, advancing digital credentialing, and strengthening the recognition of foreign qualifications.

Manamela praised the authority for “building bridges where there were once barriers” and for creating pathways for citizens to pursue lifelong learning.

“Education is not preparation for life; it is life itself,” the Minister emphasised.

“Institutions like SAQA remind us that access to quality learning is not a privilege, it is a right that must be protected and advanced.”

Manamela also lauded SAQA’s growing global footprint, noting its leadership in regional and international forums on mutual recognition of qualifications, quality assurance, and digital transformation in education.

“Through this leadership, South Africa is not just participating in the global knowledge economy, we are helping to shape it.”

The National Qualification Framework covers 10 levels, starting with high school at level 1, through matric at level 4 then higher certificate, diplomas and degrees all the way to doctorates at level 10.

The Minister used the occasion to bid farewell to SAQA’s outgoing Board, led by interim chair Dr James Keevy, commending its members for their integrity and vision in steering the organisation through a period of unprecedented change.

Other board members include SAQA CEO Ms Nadia Starr, Ms Anne Kathleen Oberholzer, Mr Ashley Benjamin, Mr Bonisile McLaren Gantile, international governance expert Ms Jo-Ann Christine Agulhas, Dr Linda Meyer, Dr Mafu Rakometsi, Mr Mark Mamello Mafisa, Ms Sara Nyawa Dikwayo, representing the Chartered Accountancy profession, Dr Thabo Shadrack Mashongoane, Ms Trudi van Wyk, Mr Vijayen Naidoo, and Dr Whitfield Green.

“It is during this board’s tenure that SAQA achieved a series of milestones,” Manamela noted, “including consecutive clean audits, the rollout of digital credentialing initiatives, and the strengthening of international partnerships.”

In her reflection, SAQA CEO Starr described the new SAQA House as “a hub of thought leadership and critical reflection,” representing the spirit of collaboration and innovation that defines the NQF.

“This is more than just SAQA House — it is a tangible symbol of everything and everyone that makes the NQF a transformative tool,” Starr said.

“I look forward to the coming years of contemplation and collaboration as we advance the principles and promises of the NQF.”

As SAQA looks to the future, both Manamela and Starr underscored the institution’s mission to align South Africa’s education and training systems with global standards while empowering citizens through skills recognition, lifelong learning, and equitable access.

With a 30-year legacy built on trust and transformation, Mananela says SAQA now enters a new era, one defined by digital innovation, global leadership, and a steadfast commitment to ensuring that education remains the greatest enabler of social and economic change.

“May SAQA House stand as a beacon of learning, excellence, and service for generations to come,” Manamela concluded. “Together, we will continue to build a nation of lifelong learners, one qualification, one recognition, one dream at a time.”

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TALIS 2024: Gwarube lauds SA as continental leader for evidence-based policymaking

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TALIS 2024: Gwarube lauds SA as continental leader for evidence-based policymaking

By Charmaine Ndlela

“Education is not a spectator sport; it is a national imperative that must be accessible to all,” said Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, speaking at the launch of the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) 2024 South Africa Report on Thursday.

TALIS, a large-scale international survey led by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), collects detailed self-reported data from teachers and school leaders on their working conditions, teaching practices, and learning environments.

The data supports evidence-based education policy formulation.

Gwarube noted that South Africa remains the only African nation to have participated in TALIS twice—first in 2018 and again in 2024.

“We stand here with a sense of pride, as this places our country in a position of continental leadership in evidence-led policymaking,” she said.

Addressing school safety, Gwarube acknowledged incidents of violence in schools but described them as showing a “downward trend.” She emphasised ongoing efforts to make schools safer.

“We signed a Safer Schools Protocol with the South African Police Service earlier this year, and rollout has begun in crime hotspot areas such as Inanda Township in KwaZulu-Natal, Emfuleni and Manenberg in the Western Cape, and uMtata and Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape,” she said.

The Minister also revealed that South Africa now has one of the youngest teaching cohorts globally.

“This means our efforts to attract young people into the profession are bearing fruit,” she said.

The average teacher age has dropped from 43 in 2018 to 41 in 2024, while the OECD average rose to 45. In addition, 62% of South African teachers reported that teaching was their first-choice career, up from 49% in 2018.

On gender representation, Gwarube noted that 62% of teachers are women, but only 32% of principals are female.

“Despite this leadership gender gap, South Africa is performing above the OECD average of 15% for female school principals,” she added.

She further stressed the importance of mother tongue-based bilingual education (MTbBE), which equips teachers to work effectively in multicultural and multilingual classrooms.

“In 2025, the MTbBE programme will extend mother tongue instruction beyond Grade 3 into Grade 4, starting with mathematics and natural science and technology,” Gwarube announced.

The minister also said the department is committed to reducing administrative burdens so that educators can focus on teaching.

“A mandate task has been given to the newly operational National Education and Training Council to develop tools and systems to ensure teachers are not overburdened by administrative tasks,” she said.

Gwarube said the TALIS findings align with the department’s curriculum reforms and literacy accelerator programmes.

“TALIS confirms what our reforms already recognise: strong foundations are not optional—they are the oxygen of learning,” she said.

Gwarube also paid tribute to South Africa’s educators:

“To all our teachers: your work is not in vain. Your voices, captured in this report, are now part of our agenda for transformation. Let us move forward with the courage to change, the humility to learn, and the urgency to act,” she said.

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Eight Milnerton High School pupils to appear in court on assault charges

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Eight Milnerton High School pupils to appear in court on assault charges

By Lebone Rodah Mosima and Marcus Moloko

Eight Milnerton High School pupils are expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Thursday on charges of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm.

The group was caught in a video allegedly assaulting a Grade 10 pupil.

Two additional videos have emerged in connection with the violent assault of a Milnerton High School learner, according to Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond.

The first video, which surfaced on social media on Wednesday, shows a Grade 10 pupil being viciously beaten by fellow students.

The footage sparked nationwide outrage and renewed calls for decisive action against school bullying.

The incident — currently under investigation by the provincial education department — occurred on October 16 after school hours.

The 16-year-old victim is seen being assaulted with a belt, hosepipe, and stick by a group of older boys, reportedly members of the school’s first rugby team.

Other learners can be seen watching and cheering during the attack.

The department confirmed that eight Grade 11 learners have been suspended in connection with the incident.

Hammond said the school – which is conducting its own investigation – was adhering to legal procedure.

“There is a process that’s taking place. That is what we have to respect,” she said.

“The disciplinary process is governed by law. The school needs to have a disciplinary hearing now. They’re currently gathering evidence. Two other videos have come to light involving some of the learners in the first video, and that will be placed in the investigation file.”

Hammond added that the alleged offenders cannot be expelled immediately.

“If the school had expelled the learners, then they would have every right to walk in the door of that school the next day, and this whole process would fall apart. The school is following due process as governed by law,” said Hammond.

“The disciplinary hearing needs to happen, and then only will there be a recommendation, and it is the head of department, not the school, that makes the decision regarding expulsion.”

The victim, who recently completed chemotherapy after a battle with cancer, has reportedly asked to be home-schooled due to the trauma caused by the attack.

His mother, in an audio message shared on social media, said the assault had dealt a devastating blow to her son’s recovery and emotional well-being.

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Gondwe reaffirms SA’s commitment to skills development at AU Skills Week

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Gondwe reaffirms SA’s commitment to skills development at AU Skills Week

By Palesa Nguqu 

Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr. Mimmy Gondwe says the African Union (AU) Skills Week has demonstrated the continent’s collective resolve to build a skilled, innovative, and resilient workforce.

Gondwe made the remarks at the conclusion of her working visit to the Africa Skills Week, held from 13 to 17 October 2025 at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Held under the theme “Powering Africa’s Industrial Future: Skills for Innovation, Growth, and Sustainability,” the annual event serves as a continent-wide platform for promoting youth skills development and brings together policymakers, educators, industry leaders, and youth from across Africa to share best practices, launch strategic initiatives, and strengthen collaboration aimed at empowering young Africans for employment and entrepreneurship.

“We must continue to collaborate, share knowledge, and implement strategies that empower our youth and unlock Africa’s full potential. Together, we can shape a brighter future for all Africans,” said Gondwe.

The Skills Week aligns with the broader goals of Agenda 2063, the AU’s strategic framework to transform Africa into a global powerhouse focused on economic growth, social inclusion, and sustainable development.

During the week-long programme, Gondwe participated in a high-level ministerial panel on skills development and attended both the opening and closing ceremonies.

A key highlight of the event was the launch of the Continental TVET Strategy 2025–2034, which underscores Africa’s commitment to building a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and economic resilience.

On the sidelines of the Skills Week, Gondwe held bilateral meetings with key stakeholders, including Ethiopia’s Minister of Labour and Skills, H.E. Muferihat Kamil Ahmed, to exchange best practices on youth skills development and explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to link unemployed youth with job opportunities.

She also met with AU Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitisation, Lerato Mataboge, to discuss potential collaboration between the DHET and the African Union.

“The five-day Africa Skills Week brought together over 850 participants from AU member states, regional organisations, TVET leaders, academics, and youth. It promoted learning, dialogue, and collaboration. South Africa remains committed to knowledge sharing, research, and implementation — ensuring no African youth is excluded from the skills revolution that will define the Africa we want and need,” said Gondwe.

According to Gondwe’s spokesperson, Sipho Stuurman, South Africa’s readiness for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) must be treated as a systemic transformation of education — encompassing policy, financing, institutional preparedness, and industry participation, rather than being viewed merely as a curriculum reform.

He noted that this aligns with the AU’s Continental TVET Strategy, which prioritises employability, lifelong learning, and integration with science, technology, and innovation.

“The Department, through the TVET Branch and with support from SETAs such as ETDPSETA and merSETA, has launched 15 operational 4IR centres,” Stuurman said.

He further advocated for curriculum updates across all qualifications to include digital literacy, data and AI basics, automation, robotics, and critical thinking skills.

Stuurman also underscored the importance of modular micro-credentials, noting that they allow learners to progressively accumulate skills and adapt to rapidly changing labour market needs.

“The post-school education and training (PSET) system should incorporate modular micro-credentials so learners can accumulate skills progressively,” he said.

He added that expanding workplace-based learning through stronger employer partnerships is essential to ensure that learners gain practical experience with real 4IR technologies.

Highlighting a successful example, Stuurman said the Takealot–DHET Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) illustrates how the TVET system can align with global megatrends.

“Takealot, one of South Africa’s largest e-commerce platforms, represents a real-world ecosystem that links digital transformation, green innovation, and youth employability — positioning TVET as a vital driver of future-ready, opportunity-driven skills development in South Africa,” he said.

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Siviwe Gwarube, Santana sign basic education MoU with Brazil

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Siviwe Gwarube, Santana sign basic education MoU with Brazil

By Charmaine Ndlela

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and her Brazilian counterpart Camilo Santana on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that the department said was indicative of a “far-reaching and deepening cooperation” between the two BRICS nations.

The signing took place following the second day of the fourth G20 Education Working Group (EdWG) Senior Officials’ Meeting.

The partnership, according to the basic education department, will focus on teacher development and 21st-century skills, vocational education and training, and early childhood education through the exchange of best practices and pedagogical strategies.

It will also include the implementation of student-level information systems in schools, and the promotion of health and active citizenship.

“Through this partnership, we reaffirm our shared commitment to improving learning outcomes, promoting active citizenship, and ensuring that education continues to serve as a powerful tool for reducing poverty and inequality,” Gwarube said.

In June this year, during the BRICS Ministers of Education Meeting in Brazil, Gwarube and Santana signed an MoU to cooperate on teacher development, school nutrition and early childhood development. Said Gwarube at the time: “This MoU will assist mitigating poverty barriers to education. Participating in these multilateral platforms allows us to mobilise international resources to improve educational outcomes in our country.”

The G20 EdWG is focusing on three “critical priorities”: Quality foundational learning, mutual recognition of qualifications, and professional educational development for a changing world.

The ministers’ meeting will take place on Tuesday in Skukuza,

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Over 900,000 matriculants ready for 2025 NSC exams — Gwarube says system ‘ready and secure’

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Over 900,000 matriculants ready for 2025 NSC exams — Gwarube says system ‘ready and secure’

By Palesa Nguqu and Simon Nare

South Africa is gearing up for one of its largest exam operations as more than 900,000 candidates prepare to sit the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations on Tuesday.

Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube has described the national exam operation as one of “the largest and most complex public assessment outside of national elections.”

Speaking at a ministerial media briefing in Pretoria, Gwarube said the Department of Basic Education (DBE) was confident in its readiness.

The matric exams are set to start on Tuesday morning and are expected to end on November 27 2025. 

“The systems are securely in place, the security measures are sound, the educators are prepared, and our learners are ready,” she told dozens of reporters.

According to Gwarube, 903,561 candidates will write the exams — 766,543 full-time learners and 137,018 part-time candidates — marking the highest number since the democratic exam system was established in 1996.

“This year, we have over 766 000 candidates who have registered as full-time candidates. This is the highest number since the public exams started in 1996. We also have just over 137 000 part-time candidates. In total, we have over 900 000 candidates who will sit for the 2025 National Senior Certificate Matric Exams,” said Gwarube.

“We wish the class of 2025 well for the exams.”

To ensure inclusivity, the department has finalized examination versions modified for Braille, large print, and South African Sign Language.

A total of 6,955 examination centers across the country — including 6,396 public schools and 579 independent schools — have been approved to host the exams.

To strengthen oversight, 57 national monitors and thousands of provincial officials have been deployed to ensure compliance and security.

Gwarube stressed that the integrity of the exams remains non-negotiable, with every stage — from paper setting to marking — undergoing multiple layers of verification.

“Let us all rally behind our matriculants, lighting their path with encouragement, discipline, and love, so that when results are released on January 12, 2026, they reflect not only academic achievement but the enduring strength, unity, and possibility of our education system,” the Minister said.

According to the department, over 130,000 learners participated in intensive Autumn, Winter, and Spring revision camps held at 665 centers, focusing on critical gateway subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Geography, with attendance levels exceeding 80%. Learners also received Mind the Gap guides, literature study packs, self-study kits, and digital resources to aid preparation.

Marking preparations are already in progress, with 185 marking centers and more than 40,000 trained officials, including markers, invigilators, and moderators.

Marking is scheduled to begin on December 2, 2025, following staggered staff arrivals from November 27 to December 1.

Meanwhile, Umalusi — the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training — has confirmed its readiness to oversee the process, saying measures are in place to protect the integrity and security of the examinations, including training personnel and monitoring high-risk centers nationwide.

In a one-on-one interview with Inside Education, Gwarube said the department had employed robust measures to ensure the final examinations proceed smoothly and securely.

“Printing, packaging, and distribution security protocols have been tested and tightened, markers are being trained, and the examination centres have been verified. Our focus is to guarantee that every learner is afforded a fair, credible, and smooth examination process,” said Gwarube.

She added that the department was fully prepared to administer the exams and would continue working closely with provinces, districts, and schools to maintain stability and oversight throughout the examination period.

When asked about performance expectations, Gwarube said the department was not anticipating a decline in the pass rate but was instead optimistic about an improved overall outcome.

“This confidence is based on the intensive interventions made throughout their schooling years, and from extra tuition in matric, including winter and autumn camps and weekend classes to enhance teacher support and curriculum recovery initiatives. Our ambition is to improve the quality of education so that more young people can access universities, TVET colleges, and the world of work,” she said.

The department, she noted, had widely circulated exam preparation materials to ensure that learners remain on track and aligned with the examination programme.

Addressing concerns over exam paper leaks, Gwarube revealed that a forensic investigation firm had been appointed to trace the source of last year’s leaks and prevent similar incidents this year.

“Preliminary information shows that the leak did not originate from the Department of Education, and our systems remain secure. We are comfortable that there will be no leaks from the department,” she said.

Gwarube acknowledged that 2025 had come with its share of challenges but assured the nation that the department had identified and mitigated recurring risks.

“Firstly, the issue of school safety, particularly criminal activity around schools and intimidation in some hot spot communities, continues to concern us. We are addressing this through our ongoing collaboration with the South African Police Service,” she said.

The minister also highlighted the psychosocial well-being of learners as a key focus area, saying that expanded learner support programmes and counselling services were being prioritised.

“The psychosocial well-being of learners is something we are prioritising; we have expanded learner support programmes and counselling to ensure that matriculants are emotionally and mentally ready to sit for the exams,” Gwarube said.

INSIDE EDUCATION

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