Despite the government’s promise to conclude the National Dialogue in the first half of 2026, Deputy President Paul Mashatile has indicated that it may take place after the local government elections.
Mashatile said this during the 2026 National Dialogue Steering Committee (NDSC) induction session on Saturday.
The two-day induction, held at Unisa’s Muckleneuk main campus in Pretoria, concluded on Sunday afternoon.
The induction took place to formally prepare the 99-member committee for its role in leading a nationwide consultative process and it followed a handover from the Convention Organising Committee.
The steering committee is tasked with outlining the practical roadmap and phased plan for dialogues across the country.
The induction session of the National Dialogue team consisted of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG), the NDSC and the Secretariat of the dialogue.
Mashatile is the chair of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the National Dialogue.
The National Dialogue is convened to address deep-seated national crises like poverty, inequality, crime, and slow economic transformation by bringing all sectors of society together to forge a new, shared vision and social compact for the country's future, moving beyond talk to practical action and rebuilding trust.
The first session of the National Dialogue, known as the First National Convention, convened from August 15 to 16, 2025, at Unisa.
Although there is no clear date, the second session was planned to be held in the first half of 2026.
Mashatile, through his spokesperson, Keith Khoza, said the process leading to the dialogue will require a huge effort to onboard society broadly.
He added that, given the task at hand, it may require that the actual dialogue may take place after local government elections.
The specific election date has not yet been announced, but the window is determined by the five-year term of the current councils, which officially ends on November 1, 2026.
Mashatile said the reasons behind the decision are that the public will be involved in the election, including a voter registration campaign.
“Secondly, the dialogue must be orchestrated to reach the lowest levels of society. This means both responsibilities will be demanding. Consequently, at a certain point, the dialogue work will be paused in favour of election work,” he said.
The total cost of the National Dialogue initiative is projected to be R450 million, with R270m funded by taxpayers via the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) and the remainder from the private sector.
Mashatile said even though there is a budget allocated for the process, the government will allocate necessary resources.
“How resources are utilised must be transparent and there should be proper accountability and responsibility,” he said, adding that the government is committed to seeing the work of the dialogue completed.
He said the discussion of what was discussed in the closed session will be divulged through dialogue structures.
The induction, according to the committees, offered critical inputs, key reflections and handover reports between the structures.
“We were reminded about the intention behind structures, how they are intended to work together and what is expected from each, in the dialogue process,” read the National Dialogue page comment on X, adding that communication that prioritises clarity and verified information can be expected.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged the newly inducted steering committee to ensure that the “significant initiative” remains a citizen-led process that is inclusive and well organised.
Ramaphosa said the citizens must be able to freely participate as individuals, in organised formations and through representative bodies.
“The people of this country need to take ownership of this process,” he said.
*This article was first published by IOL News
As the Matric Class of 2025 receives its results, the Mineworkers Development Agency (MDA) extends its sincere congratulations to every learner who has reached this important milestone. Completing matric represents years of dedication, sacrifice and perseverance by young people, supported by families, educators and communities who believed in their potential.
Yet for millions of South Africans, the release of matric results is not only a moment of pride, but also the beginning of uncertainty. In a country facing persistent youth unemployment, deep inequality and critical skills shortages, this moment demands a deeper national conversation about what comes next.
Matric results do not define your economic future
For learners whose results meet their expectations, this is a moment to celebrate and plan the next chapter with confidence. For others, whose marks may not reflect their effort or aspirations, it is important to say this clearly: matric results do not define your worth, your intelligence or your future.
South Africa’s economy requires a wide range of skills, talents and forms of knowledge. Many of these are developed outside traditional academic pathways and through practical, hands-on learning. What matters most at this stage is not a single set of marks, but the courage to reassess, adapt and continue learning.
It is within this context that vocational education, skills development and workplace exposure emerge not as second choices, but as strategic responses to the realities of the labour market.
Why skills-based pathways matter now more than ever
South Africa’s economy remains heavily reliant on labour-intensive sectors such as agriculture, mining, construction, manufacturing, energy and infrastructure development. These sectors depend on artisans, technicians, machine operators, supervisors and skilled workers who are trained practically and can contribute immediately in real working environments.
Vocational training plays a critical role in bridging the gap between education and employment. Unlike purely academic routes, vocational programmes emphasise learning by doing, problem-solving in real-world settings and the development of technical competence alongside workplace readiness.
In agriculture, skills training supports food security, agro-processing and rural development, preparing young people for roles ranging from farm operations and irrigation systems to equipment maintenance and sustainable production practices. In construction and industrial sectors, skilled artisans and technicians are the backbone of housing delivery, infrastructure projects and industrial growth. These industries cannot function without competent, hands-on workers.
Aligning skills with labour market demand
One of the most significant barriers facing young people after matric is the mismatch between qualifications and available jobs. Too many young people are trained for roles the economy cannot absorb, while employers struggle to find candidates with practical technical skills and work experience.
The Mineworkers Development Agency was established by the National Union of Mineworkers. The MDA achieves some of its strategic objectives through partnerships between organised labour, business and government to respond directly to this challenge. Its work focuses on creating sustainable livelihoods for mineworkers, ex-mineworkers and their communities, with a strong emphasis on young people in mining-affected and rural areas.
By prioritising vocational training in labour-intensive sectors and aligning programmes with labour market demand, the MDA contributes to both individual empowerment and broader economic development. Its approach recognises that training alone is insufficient unless it is directly connected to real economic opportunities.
Why experience matters as much as training
Employers consistently point to lack of work experience as one of the biggest obstacles to hiring young people. Qualifications without practical exposure often leave learners unprepared for the realities of the workplace.
The MDA addresses this challenge by integrating workplace exposure, internships, and experiential learning into its skills development initiatives. Through partnerships with accredited training institutions, employers, and community-based projects, young people gain hands-on experience in real working environments aligned to market needs.
At the Marikana Agri Hub, participants are trained in crop and livestock production, agro-processing, irrigation systems, agricultural mechanisation, and basic farm management, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge directly to operational agricultural settings.
Similarly, the Welkom Digital Hub equips youth with future-focused skills through training in digital literacy, coding and software development, graphic design, digital marketing, data analysis, and ICT support.
This practical exposure builds confidence, discipline, and a clear understanding of workplace expectations qualities that cannot be fully developed in a classroom alone. For many young people, the first opportunity to work with tools, machinery, digital platforms, or production systems is transformative, turning abstract learning into tangible competence, employability, and entrepreneurial readiness.
Empowering youth beyond employment
The MDA’s work extends beyond preparing young people for jobs. Its programmes also promote entrepreneurship, cooperative development and self-employment, particularly in communities affected by mine closures and economic transition.
In areas where formal employment opportunities are limited, vocational skills in agriculture, construction, manufacturing and services can be leveraged to build local enterprises, improve infrastructure and stimulate local economies. This approach enables young people to see themselves not only as job seekers, but as contributors and job creators within their own communities.
A message to the Class of 2025
To the Matric Class of 2025, this is a moment of reflection and possibility. Whether your results open doors to university, college, vocational training or alternative pathways, know that success is not defined by a single route.
South Africa needs skilled hands as much as it needs academic minds. Many of the skills that build this country are learned through practice, perseverance and experience. Vocational training is not a lesser option; it is a vital pathway to dignity, productivity and sustainable livelihoods.
Reimagining pathways beyond matric is not the responsibility of young people alone. It requires deliberate investment by government, industry, training institutions and communities in skills that align with economic realities and national development priorities.
Matric is not the end of the journey. It is the beginning of many roads—and with the right skills, experience and support, meaningful progress remains possible.
*This article was first published by IOL News
Get Today’s Journal News — Direct to Your Device
Stay informed in real time. Download the current edition of Journal News right now. Read it anytime, anywhere.
DOWNLOAD LINK: ⤵️
Download JOURNAL NEWS - 16 JANUARY 2026
By Abigail Visagie
African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has committed the ruling party to decisive intervention in failing municipalities, assuring residents that urgent steps are being taken to address long-standing service delivery challenges and restore public confidence in local leadership.
This follows the party’s decision to place ailing local government at the centre of its programme for 2026.
Addressing a well-attended Free State January 8 celebration at Caleb Motshabi Stadium in Madikgetla, Trompsburg, Mbalula said fixing dysfunctional municipalities would be the party’s top priority in the year ahead.
“The ANC has never shied away from acknowledging its challenges. We have declared this year as the year to fix local government and the economy. Municipalities will be required to submit service delivery reports every three months to demonstrate that work is being done and that people are receiving services,” Mbalula said.
He issued a stern warning against laziness and corruption within municipalities, urging provincial leadership to take decisive action against mayors who fail to carry out their responsibilities.
“People are complaining about the ANC. The problem is not the ANC but the people the organisation has deployed in municipalities. This year, we say that where there are challenges, they must be fixed. The Free State is leading when it comes to fixing local government and intervening on leadership issues. It is the first province to address ineptness in local government leadership,” Mbalula said.
Last year, the provincial leadership announced the removal of seven municipal mayors, speakers and chief whips, citing persistent audit disclaimers, weak leadership and poor governance, which undermined service delivery. Allegations of corruption were also cited.
Meanwhile, delivering the party’s January 8 Statement at Moruleng Stadium outside Rustenburg last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that as the ANC heads towards local government elections, the party will refocus its efforts on strengthening its presence at the local level through improved service delivery.
“We cannot accept dysfunctional, apathetic and uncaring local government. We cannot accept an economy that only works for the few. We cannot bow our heads and accept defeat. Our forebears demonstrated bravery 114 years ago. We therefore declare 2026 as the year of decisive action to fix local government and transform the economy,” Ramaphosa said.
By Abigail Visagie
The Matjhabeng Local Municipality has addressed concerns surrounding the procurement of jet vacuum trucks, which have sparked debate on social media amid claims that the municipality exceeded its allocated budget.
On 30 June 2025, the municipality procured two sewer combination trucks following a dual-authorised request from the fleet section. Merafe Holdings, a recognised service provider, was appointed through National Treasury under the RT57 transversal contract.
Acting Municipal Manager Thabo Panyani confirmed that the procurement process fully complied with all prescribed supply chain management requirements and that all relevant documentation was submitted, approved and duly signed.
“Claims circulating on social media suggest that the trucks should have cost the municipality R10.8 million but instead amounted to approximately R20 million,” said Panyani. “These claims are misleading and based on inaccurate quotations sourced from Werner Pumps.”
Panyani further explained that the quotations being shared relate to a different and less advanced model than the one procured by the municipality.
“Allegations of inflated pricing are therefore unfounded. The municipality will be instituting legal action against a former councillor who sourced and circulated misleading information, creating confusion and casting serious aspersions against the institution,” he said.
The municipality has also emphasised that the procurement of the sewer combination trucks is not only a form of recycling but an important step in strengthening infrastructure capacity.
“Matjhabeng Local Municipality calls on council, the administration, employees and communities to work together to build a municipality that is clean, safe, functional and people-centred,” Panyani concluded.
By: Abigail Visagie
The Northern Cape has exceeded expectations after achieving an 87.9% pass rate in the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, placing the province sixth nationally. The results reflect steady improvement over recent years, signalling a maturing and stabilising education system. Releasing the NSC results on January 12, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said the Northern Cape recorded the greatest improvement of all provinces. Northern Cape MEC for Education Abraham Vosloo attributed the achievement to consistent support for matriculants under the leadership of Premier Zamani Saul. The province improved from 74.2% in 2022 to 75.8% in 2023, 82.4% in 2024 and now 87.9% in 2025. Vosloo acknowledged that learner retention and dropout rates remain a challenge but said interventions are being strengthened to curb the problem and ensure learners remain committed to completing their schooling and obtaining the NSC. The province has five education districts, 551 schools and about 330 000 learners, with nearly 14 000 candidates sitting for the 2025 NSC examinations. Despite challenges such as long travel distances to schools, Vosloo vowed that the department would continue to prioritise quality education delivery. “We have had a process in place for the past five years and have shown gradual improvement. We have worked closely with various stakeholders under the leadership of the Premier’s office,” Vosloo said. “Important programmes have been rolled out, and we are focused on building on these gains to deliver quality education across the province.”
