Melissa-Seané Sathekge

A Cabinet reshuffle announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa has resulted in changes within the Department of Higher Education and Training, with Democratic Alliance (DA) member Dr Mimmy Gondwe being replaced as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training.

With the Electoral Commission's (IEC) voter registration weekend approaching, South Africans – particularly young people – are being encouraged to register and prepare to participate in the 2026 Local Government Elections.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has outlined several government initiatives aimed at reducing youth unemployment, while reaffirming that building an inclusive economy that creates sustainable jobs for young people remains a national priority. 

Parliament will convene the 2026 National Youth Parliament in Johannesburg on Monday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Student Uprisings and celebrate 30 years of South Africa’s democratic Constitution.

The inaugural Future of Work and Business Conference will bring together government, industry leaders, innovators and young people to explore the future of employment, technology and economic growth in South Africa.

NSFAS has discovered that some previous students paid back more to the organisation than they should have.  They have committed to paying back those who were charged too much. 

Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth says only 9% of employers inspected by her department were compliant with employment equity legislation during the 2025/26 financial year. 

South Africa’s official unemployment rate increased slightly during the first quarter of 2026, according to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).

Cabinet has approved several legislative measures aimed at strengthening early childhood development (ECD) in South Africa during Child Protection Month. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has renewed calls for reparations to address the lasting effects of colonialism and slavery in Africa.

Gauteng MEC for Education, Lebogang Maile, has announced a range of interventions aimed at addressing severe overcrowding in the province’s schools. 

Postbank has officially launched the final phase of replacing SASSA Gold Cards with new Postbank Black Cards, with the rollout set to begin on 29 April 2026.

SASSA is encouraging social grant beneficiaries to use its e-Life Certification self-service portal to complete their life certification quickly and conveniently.

The Department of Social Development has called for urgent and coordinated action to tackle South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis, urging all sectors to work together to create opportunities for young people.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has condemned the illegal practice of individuals “selling” queue positions at its offices, describing it as exploitative and unlawful.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for urgent reforms to reduce red tape and support small businesses, warning that municipal delays are holding back investment and limiting opportunities for township entrepreneurs. 

The South African government has reaffirmed its commitment to technical skills development following the graduation of 600 refrigeration and air-conditioning servicing technicians and 35 trainers.

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has given more details about the progress made by administrators appointed to stabilise three of the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).

National Treasury has announced that a full review of the national skills ecosystem will take place in the coming year to improve how skills development supports economic growth.

The national Budget speech has confirmed that social grants are to increase in 2026 - and details have been released on what the new payment amounts will be.