Government welcomes the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) Quarter 4 of 2025 results, released by Statistics South Africa, which indicate an improvement in key labour market indicators. Employment increased by 44 000 in Q4 2025, while the number of unemployed persons decreased by 172 000. As a result, the official unemployment rate declined by 0,5 percent.

The improvement in employment reflects the resilience of the South African economy and the impact of targeted interventions aimed at stimulating growth, supporting businesses, and expanding labour market opportunities.

The South African journalists/media are invited to submit their entries for the 2026 SADC Media Awards competition. The SADC Media Awards competition is open to journalists from the SADC Member States. Entries are open in four categories: Photo Journalism, Print Journalism, Television Journalism, and Radio Journalism.

Government joins the global community in commemorating World Radio Day, a day that recognises the enduring power of radio as a trusted and accessible source of information, education, and entertainment. Proclaimed in 2011 by UNESCO Member States and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, World Radio Day (WRD) is celebrated every February 13. This day highlights the important role radio continues to play in strengthening communication, promoting cultural diversity, and advancing democratic participation.

Government congratulates Professor Vukosi Marivate of the University of Pretoria on the recommendation by the United Nations Secretary-General to appoint him as a member of the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence.

Professor Marivate was recommended alongside 40 leading experts from across the world, drawn from diverse disciplines and recognised for their significant expertise in artificial intelligence and related fields.

GCIS hosts country-wide community activations as part of raising and educating the public on the state of the nation address (SoNA) and what the public can expect to hear from the president’s speech

The State of the Nation Address (SoNA) is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa addresses the nation on the programmes of government. The address is delivered at a Joint Sitting of Parliament, including both the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and focuses on the current political and socio-economic state of the nation.

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) will, on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, facilitate a photo-opportunity, and a doorstop briefing by Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni on the sidelines of the Cabinet Lekgotla.

Members of the media who wish to cover the sessions are requested to email their details to Bathabile@gcis.gov.za and copy pheliswa@gcis.gov.za by 12h00 on Monday, 26th January 2026.

Government welcomes the World Bank’s assessment that shows economic growth in South Africa strengthened to 1.3 % in 2025, supported by a more reliable electricity supply, a strong agricultural harvest, and improved business confidence toward the end of the year.

The World Bank’s outlook further projects that growth will increase to 1.4% in 2026 and 1.5% in 2027. This reflects the positive impact of continued reform momentum, particularly in the energy and logistics sectors, alongside rising public investment.

Government sends its best wishes to all learners as they begin the 2026 academic year today. This marks an important milestone for millions of learners returning to classrooms, and those going to school for the first time, supported by dedicated teachers, school management teams, parents, and education stakeholders.

The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster will visit the AV Plaatjies Secondary School in Mthatha, in the Eastern Cape, on Friday, 16 January 2026. The purpose of the visit is to support and participate in the back-to-school programme as the country enters the new academic year.

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, KwaZulu-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.