Melissa-Seané Sathekge

Young South Africans need more than a qualification to secure employment, with practical experience and job-ready skills playing an important role in their transition from training to work.

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has called for urgent corrective action at the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) and the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA) after both institutions received qualified audit opinions for the 2025/26 financial year.

SASSA has announced revised social grant payment dates for November 2026 ahead of the upcoming Local Government Elections scheduled for 4 November. 

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has specific eligibility criteria when it comes to household income. However, there are exceptions - particularly for some Sassa grant recipients.

A total of 268 inmates enrolled at correctional services schools across South Africa are preparing to write the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has called for a major shift in how government measures the success of skills development programmes.

South Africa has made progress in expanding education, skills development and employment opportunities for young people, but gaps in implementation continue to limit the impact of these programmes, according to a mid-term evaluation of the National Youth Policy 2020–2030.

Speaking at the BRICS summit President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned that the rapid development of AI systems must be matched by effective human governance.

Applications for the WorldSkills South Africa (WSZA) 2027 National Competition are now open, giving students and other eligible participants an opportunity to showcase their talent, innovation, skills and creativity.

More than 1.8 million SASSA social grant beneficiaries have successfully migrated from their old gold cards to Postbank's new black cards ahead of the upcoming deadline. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) must be used to create more opportunities for women, particularly those living in rural communities who continue to face barriers to information, digital skills and economic opportunities. This was the message from the third annual Women in Media and Communications Panel Discussion held at TUT. 

South Africa’s transition to cleaner energy is expected to create new employment opportunities while changing the skills required across the country’s energy economy.

South Africa has commemorated the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women's March, with President Cyril Ramaphosa paying tribute to the more than 20,000 women who marched against apartheid pass laws.

South Africa's tourism industry continued its strong recovery during the first six months of 2026, with the country recording a significant increase in international visitor arrivals. 

Following a number of senior staff resignations, and allegations of governance failings, the Media and ICT Seta, MICT, is to be investigated by the National Skills Authority. 

"EPWP participants play an important role in supporting a range of municipal programmes, including community safety, public health, water and sanitation services," according to eThekwini Municipality who are strongly promoting the programme. 

The Sassa Gold Card deadline is approaching and beneficiaries are being urged to switch to Postbank Black Cards to avoid disruptions to their grant payments. 

Government has assured South Africans that 30 June 2026 will be a normal working day, warning that any acts of violence, intimidation or disruption will be dealt with through the full force of the law.

As South Africa commemorates Youth Month, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is recognising the contributions of young officers through its national campaign, "SAPS Youth – Leading the Reset Agenda." 

Social grants ensure millions of South Africans can access basic goods and services monthly. The payment dates and payment values have been confirmed by Sassa.