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.
Government expresses deep sympathy following the incident that occurred during the annual Mphebatho Troop Festival at Dertig Sports Ground in the North West on Saturday afternoon, 3 January 2026.
The incident, caused by a lightning strike, resulted in more than forty people, mostly spectators and troopers, being adversely affected. Emergency services responded promptly, and those injured were immediately attended to. Patients were taken to Mathibestad Clinic for observation, while others were transferred to Jubilee Hospital for further medical care.
An effective transport system is vital to our way of life and South Africa is fortunate enough to have modern transport infrastructure. Many people rely on the effectiveness of our transportation to access services such as healthcare, education, going to work and other opportunities. Government is therefore committed to improve the country’s infrastructure and to provide the citizens of this country with safe and accessible public transport.
South Africa will witness yet another milestone during the G20 Summit as we draw thousands of global leaders, media, and delegates, providing both a diplomatic milestone and a major opportunity to showcase our country’s tourism offerings.
The gathering of world leaders and delegates is an opportunity for us to showcase our unique tourism offerings. We have also worked to ensure that economic opportunities associated with the Summit and the many lead up meetings are extended to small and micro enterprises (SMMEs).
Nelson Mandela, one of the world’s most profound leaders, reminded us of the transformative power of education, particularly through reading. He believed that reading empowers citizens, sparks change and lays the foundation for societies built on knowledge and justice.
When President Donald Trump issued an executive order suspending all foreign aid to South Africa, in January this year, we immediately set about finding solutions. Among the most pressing was to ensure that our life saving HIV and AIDS programme continued to function.
When thinking about science, technology and innovation, most people’s minds go straight to robots, spaceships, self-driving cars and talking machines. Centuries ago, such incredible inventions may have seemed farfetched, but in today’s fast moving technological world, there are no limits to what we can achieve in the field.
Robben Island, once a notorious symbol of apartheid oppression, served as a prison for leaders of South Africa’s liberation movement, isolating them from the growing resistance across the country.
These political prisoners endured harsh conditions, including forced labour in limestone quarries on the island, as part of an effort by the apartheid regime to silence and break their spirit.
