GOVERNMENT CONGRATULATES THE MATRIC CLASS OF 2025

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GOVERNMENT CONGRATULATES THE MATRIC CLASS OF 2025

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

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Government congratulates the Class of 2025 on achieving an exceptional National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass rate of 88 %, marking the highest pass rate in the country.  Notably, Kwa-Zulu Natal topped the rankings with a pass rate of 90.6%, with all other provinces performing at over 80%. For the first time, all 75 school districts have achieved a pass rate of 80% and above. Over 900 000 learners wrote the 2025 NSC examination, making it the largest class to write the examination in South Africa’s history. 

This achievement reflects positive growth in learner performance and is a clear indication of the hard work, resilience and commitment demonstrated by learners throughout their schooling journey.This success is the result of a collective effort involving learners, educators, school leadership, parents, caregivers and education stakeholders across the system. 

Government is particularly encouraged by strong performance in key subjects and the growing number of learners qualifying for Bachelor, Diploma and Higher Certificate passes. These results provide a strong foundation for increased participation in post-school education and training, and for the development of critical skills required by the economy. 

While we celebrate this achievement, government remains mindful of learners who did not achieve the results they had hoped for. 

These learners are reminded that an examination outcome alone does not define their worth or future prospects. Government, through the Department of Basic Education and its partners, will ensure that psychosocial support services are accessible to learners during this period.

Learners experiencing emotional distress, anxiety or disappointment are encouraged to seek support through the following free and confidential services:

Childline South Africa: 116 (24-hour toll-free service for children and young people)

South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG -0800 567 567 (24-HOUR TOLL-FREE):

Suicide Crisis Line: 0800 567 567

Cipla WhatsApp Chat Line : 076 882 2775

Learners who did not pass or get the results that they hoped for are further encouraged to explore the Second Chance Matric Programme, supplementary examinations, and alternative education and training pathways. 

The Second Chance Programme is provided free of charge to candidates. These pathways provide meaningful opportunities for learners to complete their schooling or acquire market-relevant skills.

Government reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that no learner is left behind and that every young person is supported to realise their full potential.

Once again, government congratulates the Class of 2025 and wishes all learners success on their future endeavours. 

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JOHN STEENHUISEN NOT GUILTY UBER EATS BILLS

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JOHN STEENHUISEN NOT GUILTY UBER EATS BILLS

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

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Today, the DA’s Federal Executive Committee met to consider and adopt a preliminary investigation report into allegations against John Steenhuisen and Dion George.

The preliminary investigation was led by the Chairperson of the Federal Legal Commission, Glynnis Breytenbach.

The report, adopted by the Federal Executive, contains findings and recommendations on the way forward.

One of the allegations the FLC investigated was that the Leader had misappropriated party funds through the use of his party-issued credit card. The report found that the expenditure on the card had been fully reconciled, that there was no prima facie evidence of misappropriation, and that the limited number of personal expenses had been adequately explained and reimbursed.

The FLC recommended that the policy on the use of party credit cards be strengthened by the Federal Finance Committee.

The Fedex accepted the FLC recommendation that a disciplinary inquiry be instituted to determine whether either or both John Steenhuisen or Dion George violated sections of the DA’s federal constitution, relating to bringing the party into disrepute, reflecting negatively on the party, and undermining internal co-operation within the party.

The Fedex further resolved to require all parties involved to “cease and desist” from publicly discussing or airing disagreements relating to this matter, either themselves or through proxies, until such time as the FLC inquiry is finalised. Section 3.1.5.9 of the DA’s constitution provides for the cessation of membership of any party member who violates this warning.

The Fedex resolved to refer to the FLC process:

•Allegations regarding the abuse of government resources.

•Public communication following the submission of complaints to the Public Protector.

•The refusal of a former member of George’s ministerial staff to co-operate with the investigation.

•The leaking of internal financial information from the party.

The Fedex requested the FLC to pursue all the inquiries on an expedited basis, giving it priority over other pending matters.

The DA takes all allegations of impropriety against its public representations very seriously.

We will continue to hold all our representatives to account for their conduct in public life.

⁠The DA is committed to following due process in the handling of internal disciplinary matters and expects party members to respect the outcomes of this preliminary report and further inquiries, on which future decisions of the Fedex will be based.

⁠The DA remains committed to fighting for South Africans and is well advanced in preparations for the 2026 local government election, where we aim to increase our political footprint across the country by ensuring that our broken cities and towns are rescued from ANC-led collapse.

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RETAINING LT GEN MKHWANAZI

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RETAINING LT GEN MKHWANAZI

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

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The IFP in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature applauds the bold, principled, and visionary leadership displayed by the KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thami Ntuli, in making it clear that Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi must remain in KwaZulu-Natal to continue his sterling work as Provincial Police Commissioner.

While no final decision has yet been made regarding the extension of Lt General Mkhwanazi’s contract, Premier Ntuli’s public stance sends a powerful and reassuring message: KwaZulu-Natal cannot, and must not, lose one of its most competent, fearless, and results-driven senior police officers. In taking this decisive position, the Premier has shown exceptional foresight, unwavering commitment to public safety, and a deep understanding of the province’s security needs.

Lt General Mkhwanazi has repeatedly proven that he can navigate the most dangerous and treacherous challenges. Like a skilled swimmer in infested crocodile rivers, he confronts peril head-on, navigating the deadly currents of crime with courage, integrity, and unyielding determination. His hands-on, no-nonsense approach has earned him the admiration and confidence of both the public and his peers, and has sent a clear message to criminals that KwaZulu-Natal will not tolerate lawlessness.

Premier Ntuli’s unwavering support for retaining such a valuable law enforcement leader underscores his own commitment to excellence, continuity, and results-driven governance. At a time when the province faces serious criminal challenges, his stance demonstrates that he is a leader who prioritises the safety, dignity, and security of the people above all else.

The IFP welcomes the Premier’s position and calls on all stakeholders to recognise the critical importance of retaining exceptional leadership in policing. KwaZulu-Natal cannot afford to lose a jewel like Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi—an officer whose integrity, courage, and relentless pursuit of justice continue to make a tangible difference in the lives of communities across the province.

We further emphasise that success in eradicating crime depends not only on strong leadership but also on adequate resourcing, active community participation, and a professional, disciplined police service guided by integrity. Premier Ntuli’s decisive stance ensures that KwaZulu-Natal maintains momentum in restoring safety, confidence, and hope to communities, while setting a high standard for law enforcement leadership across the nation.

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MAFOKO SECURITY FAILS TO HONOUR SALARY OBLIGATION

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MAFOKO SECURITY FAILS TO HONOUR SALARY OBLIGATION

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

LISTEN HERE : @KASIBC_AUDIO

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) has learned with grave concern and deep disappointment that Mafoko Security Company, which was contracted to provide security services to the institution, has failed to pay its employees their December 2025 salaries.

 

The Legislature places on record that, following the expiry of its contract with Mafoko Security Company on 31 December 2025. It entered into a new agreement with an alternative security service provider with effect from 1 January 2026. Accordingly, the Legislature no longer maintains a contractual relationship with Mafoko Security Company, except in respect of the resolution of the outstanding matter.

 

This unacceptable conduct has left hardworking security officers and their families in distress and resulted in a bleak and painful festive season for those affected.

 

The GPL condemns in the strongest terms the exploitation of workers and the blatant disregard for labour obligations displayed by Mafoko Security Company.

 

The non-payment of salaries constitutes a serious breach of trust, contractual obligations and basic principles of human dignity.

 

The GPL places it on record that its last payment to Mafoko Security Company was made on 5 December, a payment which the Legislature reasonably and rightfully expected would be used to remunerate employees.

 

The GPL will not hesitate to take decisive legal action to protect workers from continued abuse and financial hardship.

The GPL takes these complaints extremely seriously and extends its sincere sympathy to the affected employees who suffered undue hardship as a direct result of Mafoko’s failure to honour its obligations. Workers like this, who have for years secured a National Key Point must never be made victims of corporate irresponsibility.

 

The Legislature further notes with concern that this is not the first instance in which Mafoko Security Company has failed to pay its employees. The Legislature had to put them on terms in January 2025 when again, they failed to pay some employees while others were paid late.

 

Despite this, they have once again failed to pay employees.

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Andy Mothibi’s appointment as NDPP

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Andy Mothibi’s appointment as NDPP

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

LISTEN HERE : @KASIBC_AUDIO

The DA congratulates Advocate Andy Mothibi on his appointment as National Director of Public Prosecutions. His appointment must be intended to translate into better management of the NPA, more prosecutions, and a reduction in crime. The appointment process itself is not without serious deficiencies, leaving much to be desired.

As the SIU head and with experience as a former prosecutor and magistrate, Mothibi is well-suited to lead the National Prosecuting Authority. A major stumbling block is his age. At 63 years of age, he has an extremely limited opportunity to make any impact at all, and will have his work cut out for him. It is somewhat concerning that the President has seen fit to appoint someone of Mr Mothibi’s age, given the serious and systemic issues currently within the NPA. The job itself is a much bigger one than that of Head of the SIU.

His appointment comes at a time when the NPA faces many difficulties.

Criminality has taken hold of the country, and the NPA needs a leader who will recapacitate the hollowed-out institution and reform the prosecutorial service into a crime-fighting machine.

It comes as no surprise that the panel tasked with finding Shamila Batohi’s replacement was unable to make a recommendation. The panel lacked any form of prosecution experience. It was devoid of criminal justice experts, and its inclusion of disgraced former NPA boss Menzi Simelane showed just how incapable the panel was.

The president's handling of the process of finding a new NDPP has been appalling. The president unnecessarily delayed the process for months, and when he finally initiated the process after sustained DA-led pressure, it had to be rushed due to time constraints. There is no doubt that this is a major reason why the ill-suited panel was unable to fulfil its mandate.

Adv Mothibi assumes this position at a time when the positions of the Deputy National Directors are also vacant, a problem that needs urgent attention. The DA urges Adv Mothibi to make this a priority, and we urge the President to initiate, immediately, a public and transparent process to deal with these appointments. It is crucial that there is long term consequence management developed at the top level in the NPA.

We hope that Adv. Mothibi’s appointment hails a successful era for the NPA - an era where state capture cases are finally prosecuted and crime is met with the full force of the law.

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4858 GRADE 1 AND GRADE 8 LEARNERS REMAIN TO BE PLACED IN GAUTENG

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4858 GRADE 1 AND GRADE 8 LEARNERS REMAIN TO BE PLACED IN GAUTENG

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR 

LISTEN HERE : @KASIBC_AUDIO

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane wishes to announce that *only 4858 learners remain unplaced as part of the 2026 Online Admissions process for Grade 1 and Grade 8, reflecting sustained progress in learner placement across Gauteng for the 2026 academic year.

 

As at *Tuesday, 6 January 2026*, the Gauteng Department of Education’s Online Admissions system recorded a total of 4858 unplaced learners, translating to:

Grade 1: 1381 learners

Grade 8: 3477 learners

 

This represents approximately 1.5% of the total 358 574 complete applications received for the 2026 academic year, comprising 175 792 Grade 1 and 182 782 Grade 8 applicants.

 

The Department continues to release placement and transfer offers daily, supported by targeted interventions in high-pressure districts, to ensure that all remaining learners are placed as efficiently and fairly as possible, in line with regulated admissions criteria and available school capacity.

PLACEMENT PER DISTRICT: HIGH-PRESSURE AREAS

Placement data per district indicates that the majority of the remaining unplaced learners are concentrated in urban and metropolitan districts, where sustained population growth and infrastructure constraints continue to place pressure on available school capacity.

Ekurhuleni Districts

Ekurhuleni remains the highest-pressure district, with a combined total of:

Ekurhuleni North: 1741 unplaced learners (Grade 1: 381; Grade 8: 1360)

Ekurhuleni South: 1181 unplaced learners (Grade 1: 569; Grade 8: 612)

Gauteng East: 247 unplaced learners (Grade 1: 85; Grade 8: 162)

 

This results in a total of 3169 unplaced learners in Ekurhuleni, with pressure particularly at Grade 8 level in Ekurhuleni North.

Johannesburg Districts

Only two Johannesburg districts account for a significant number of remaining unplaced learners:

Johannesburg North: 3 Grade 8 learners

Johannesburg East: 1173 (Grade 1: 95; Grade 8: 1078)

Johannesburg South: 352 (Grade 1: 250; Grade 8: 102)

 

Placement pressure remains highest in Johannesburg East, largely driven by demand for secondary school placements.

Tshwane Districts

Tshwane has shown significant progress in placing learners, with only Tshwane having a minuscule amount of learners to place:

Tshwane North: 14 unplaced learners (Grade 1: 1; Grade 8: 13)

Sedibeng and West Rand Districts

Sedibeng and West Rand have also shown tremendous placement progress with comparatively lower numbers as well and are largely stabilised:

Sedibeng East: 70 (Only Grade 8)

        

The Department has prioritised Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg as high-pressure districts, with intensified district-based placement, continued release of placement and transfer offers, and strategic utilisation of available capacity across neighbouring schools.

LATE APPLICATIONS FOR GRADE 1 AND GRADE 8 REMAIN OPEN

The Late Applications period, which commenced on 17 December 2025 and will close on 30 January 2026, has to date recorded a total of 11 183 late applications, comprising:

5 701 Grade 1 learners

5 482 Grade 8 learners

 

All late applications processed during this period result in final placements at the school selected by parents or guardians, subject to available capacity. 

Parents are advised to visit the selected school from 14 January 2026 to submit all required documentation.

 

MEC Chiloane reminds parents and guardians that the 2026 Online Admissions system remains open for Late Applications, particularly for those who did not apply during the main application period or whose applications were incomplete.

 

Parents and guardians are urged to apply online by registering or logging on to www.gdeadmissions.gov.za.

 

During the Late Application period, only schools with available space will appear on the system.

Applicants may select one school only, and once selected, the learner will be finally placed for the 2026 academic year. 

Placements made during this period cannot be declined, and no objections or appeals will be permitted thereafter.

PROGRESS ON APPEALS AND OBJECTIONS FOR 2026 ONLINE ADMISSIONS

The Department confirms that a grand total of 6736 placement appeals* have been lodged as part of the 2026 Online Admissions process, and only 637 objections await adjudication. The appeals adjudication process is at an advanced stage, with outcomes communicated directly to parents and guardians as finalisation progresses.

 

Parents are reminded that appeal outcomes are final.

 

“We are encouraged by the steady progress made in placing learners across Gauteng. We once again urge parents and guardians to remain patient and cooperative as the Department continues to work tirelessly to ensure that every Grade 1 and Grade 8 learner is placed for the 2026 academic year,” said MEC Chiloane.

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Mangaung Closed-Door Council Meetings

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Mangaung Closed-Door Council Meetings

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR

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DA condemns closed-door council meetings and unlawful extension of Centlec CEO’s contract in Mangaung

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mangaung condemns the Executive Mayor and Speaker for misusing closed council meetings to push questionable decisions, limit public access, and undermine transparency. Despite the municipality being under administration since 2019, governance continues to deteriorate because the necessary legislation is not being followed.

The DA will alert oversight bodies, including the Auditor General, the Provincial Legislature, and the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, to urgently address these ongoing governance failures.

On Tuesday, 30 December 2025, during a virtual council meeting held behind closed doors, the DA opted not to participate in the vote regarding a three-month extension of the Centlec CEO’s contract. The DA warned that this decision violates legal requirements and exposes the municipality to serious governance, audit, and legal risks.

The five-year term of Centlec’s CEO, Mr Malefane Sekoboto, expired on 31 December 2025. The ANC, EFF, Freedom Front Plus (FF+), and Patriotic Alliance (PA) nevertheless voted to keep the CEO in office until 31 March 2026.

According to the Municipal Systems Act, CEOs of municipal entities must be employed on fixed-term contracts. Once such a contract expires, the position must be declared vacant and an acting CEO legally appointed. Extending an expired contract is unlawful and circumvents the very safeguards designed to prevent the recycling of senior management contracts.

By approving this extension in committee and excluding the public, the ANC-led council has chosen a legally questionable shortcut instead of following a transparent and compliant process. We cannot allow the ANC to approve various items behind closed doors while withholding critical information from the media and residents. The media and the public have the right to know that the current Centlec CEO’s contract has been extended for a further three months.

The DA will hold the ANC to account to ensure transparency in the municipality’s governance. Secret meetings and unlawful decisions erode public trust and further weaken an already fragile administration.

If the DA governed the metro, we would have obeyed the law, kept council meetings open to the public, legally appointed an acting CEO, avoided unnecessary legal exposure, and prioritised residents over political convenience.

We remain committed to opposing the manipulation of council procedures for political gain and will continue to expose the misuse of committee meetings and unlawful appointments. We insist that Mangaung’s leadership govern openly, lawfully, and in the best interests of residents.

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