Months of uncertainty surrounding the controversial Bodulo Mothong housing project could come to an end today when the Free State High Court delivers judgment in a closely watched legal battle that could determine the future of hundreds of vulnerable families awaiting relocation to safer living cond...
EFF leader Julius Malema will not participate in Parliament’s ad hoc committee proceedings this week as he prepares to return to the East London Magistrate’s Court on Friday for a pre-sentencing hearing.
Malema was convicted in 2025 on five charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a public space, reckless endangerment and failure to take reasonable precautions.
The convictions stem from a July 2018 incident during the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebrations in Mdantsane, where Malema was filmed firing a rifle into the air.
The upcoming hearing will determine Malema’s sentence, with the possibility of direct imprisonment.
Under the Constitution, any member of Parliament sentenced to more than 12 months’ imprisonment without the option of a fine is disqualified from holding office for five years.
The EFF confirmed on Monday that Malema would be absent from the ad hoc committee’s work this week.
In a statement, the party dismissed the court’s ruling as politically motivated and irrational, maintaining that the case was driven by hostility toward the organisation rather than evidence.
The party urged the public to closely observe the legal proceedings and cautioned against speculation regarding Malema’s absence from parliamentary activities.
EFF Deputy Secretary-General Leigh-Ann Mathys will represent the party in committee engagements for the remainder of the week.
Meanwhile, Parliament’s ad hoc committee met on Monday to finalise its programme through February.
The committee is expected to hear testimony this week from former Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) head Robert McBride and suspended EMPD chief Julius Mkhwanazi.
Members of Parliament (MPs) have also called for forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan to appear before the committee, warning that failure to comply could result in serious consequences.
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has recorded a historic pass rate of 94.4% in the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, with inmates across the country producing strong academic results despite the challenges of incarceration.
Correctional Services Minister Dr Pieter Groenewald announced the results on Monday at Goodwood Correctional Centre in the Western Cape. He described the achievement as one of the department’s proudest moments.
A total of 180 inmates from 18 DCS schools nationwide sat for the 2025 matric examinations, alongside thousands of learners across South Africa. Fifteen DCS schools achieved a 100% pass rate, while inmates collectively earned 132 distinctions.
“This is a celebration of resilience, discipline and educational excellence,” Groenewald said. “These results affirm that rehabilitation through education is yielding positive outcomes and giving offenders a meaningful opportunity to rebuild their lives.”
The minister stressed that education is an important part of DCS’s rehabilitation mandate, noting that academic achievement plays a key role in breaking cycles of crime and contributing to safer communities.
However, Groenewald raised concerns about a growing preference among learners for Mathematical Literacy over Mathematics, warning that this trend could limit future educational and career opportunities.
Usethubeni Youth School at Westville Correctional Centre in KwaZulu-Natal produced the highest number of distinctions, with 58, followed by Baviaanspoort Youth School in Gauteng with 56 distinctions. The KwaZulu-Natal region also registered the highest number of learners and the most Bachelor passes.
Top-performing learner Nkosinathi Jabulani Gumede from Usethubeni Youth School achieved an overall average of 85.5%, while Jooste Tyrique from Baviaanspoort Youth School, who is currently on parole, placed second with 84.4%.
Groenewald praised DCS educators, officials and management for their commitment to offender rehabilitation, and encouraged inmates to draw inspiration from former offender Lubabalo Fongoqa.
Fongoqa, who entered prison with only a Grade 9 qualification and served 18 years in correctional facilities, now holds an LLB degree from the University of South Africa. He is the director of Songo Legal Consultants, a motivational speaker and deputy chairperson of the Black Lawyers Association Student Chapter in the Western Cape.
“Do not allow incarceration to limit you or let these opportunities slip through your fingers,” Groenewald told inmates. “One day, we hope you will go out into society and make us proud.”
Fongoqa echoed the minister’s message, saying prison walls do not define or limit dreams, and credited perseverance and access to education for transforming his life.
The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that its Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant policy has been amended to allow foreign nationals broader access to the grant, warning that the information is false and misleading.
Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi said the agency was concerned about growing public confusion sparked by online claims suggesting that asylum seekers and special permit holders were receiving South African taxpayers' money through newly amended regulations.
"This information is incorrect, misleading and may cause unnecessary confusion to social grant beneficiaries and the public at large," Letsatsi said.
He stressed that no changes had been made to the SRD grant framework.
"Sassa wishes to categorically state and put it on record that no policies or regulations have been amended regarding the Covid-19 SRD," Letsatsi said.
According to Sassa, any policy shifts related to social assistance fall under the authority of National Treasury and the Department of Social Development, neither of which announced changes during the recent budget processes.
"No such amendments were announced either by the Minister of Finance during his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement and Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Nokuzola Tolashe during her Budget Vote Speech," Letsatsi said.
He added that should any changes be introduced in future, the public would be formally informed.
"Should there be any changes in our regulations, that will be announced by the Minister of Social Development, and the amended regulations will thus be published," Letsatsi said.
Sassa reiterated that eligibility for the Covid-19 SRD grant remains governed by regulations published in 2022.
These allow temporary assistance for persons with insufficient means who are South African citizens, permanent residents, refugees, valid asylum seekers, or holders of specific special permits, provided they meet age, residency and income requirements.
As of January 1, the agency received 14,135 Covid-19 SRD applications from permanent residents, refugees and special permit holders, of which 8,368 were approved and 2,690 paid.
Letsatsi urged the public to exercise caution when sharing information related to social grants.
"Members of the public need to verify information through official Sassa and government channels before circulation," he said.
The World Bank has given South Africa a modest vote of confidence, saying the economy is growing again but warning that the recovery remains weak.
According to the latest World Bank Global Economic Prospects report, South Africa’s economy expanded by an estimated 1.3% in 2025, supported by a more reliable electricity supply, a strong agricultural harvest and improving business confidence.
"In South Africa, growth strengthened in 2025 to 1.3%, supported by more reliable electricity supply, a bumper agricultural harvest, and a pickup in business confidence toward year-end. Fiscal consolidation efforts and a lower inflation target further bolstered investor sentiment," the report noted.
The World Bank predicts that growth will edge up only slightly over the next two years, reaching about 1.5% by 2027.
"Growth in South Africa is projected to increase to 1.4% in 2026 and 1.5% in 2027. Continued reform momentum — particularly in energy and logistics — alongside rising public investment is expected to crowd in private investment and support medium-term growth prospects," the report stated.
"Private consumption and investment will remain the main growth drivers, aided by efforts to improve public-expenditure efficiency and ease supply-side constraints."
However, the report cautions that these gains remain modest, both for South Africa and across Sub-Saharan Africa, adding that growth at these levels remains well below what is needed to absorb new entrants into the labour market, reduce unemployment or ease widespread poverty.
"Despite modest gains, growth rates remain too low to generate enough jobs or significantly reduce poverty, leaving the economy vulnerable to external shocks and domestic constraints."
The report also notes that South Africa and other African economies face external trade risks, including the expiration of the United States’ African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in late 2025, unless it is extended.
IOL previously reported that the US House of Representatives has approved a three-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), and South Africa has welcomed the decision.
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Park Tau said the renewal “provides the necessary relief to companies in the context of the tariffs implemented by the United States” and ensures “certainty and predictability for African and American businesses that rely on the programme”.
However, while Tau has welcomed the extension, there’s still uncertainty around South Africa’s participation in the programme, because the bill now goes to the US Senate for approval, and some lawmakers have raised concerns about the country's foreign policy and diplomatic relationship with Washington.
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.
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.
