MyZA

News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff

You are here: Home / Archives for South Africa

South Africa

President Ramaphosa chairs first Presidential Economic Advisory Council meeting

Location: News

President Ramaphosa chairs first Presidential Economic Advisory Council meeting

President Cyril Ramaphosa has chaired the first meeting of the newly appointed Presidential Economic Advisory Council for the seventh administration.

The meeting was held at the Union Buildings in Tshwane on Tuesday.

“The Presidential Economic Advisory Council will play an important role in providing independent advice as we seek to ensure that our economic policy is informed by sound evidence, by innovation, and by a diversity of views and opinions," the President said.

A statement by the Presidency said the President welcomed members and emphasised the important role the Council plays “as the Government of National Unity looks to reignite economic growth and tackle poverty and inequality”.

“The meeting reaffirmed the necessity of structural transformation and economic reforms to accelerate economic growth and discussed forward-looking policy proposals in areas such as green industrial policy, skills development, and macroeconomic policy,” the statement read.

Furthermore, the statement revealed that discussions also forayed into “the need to position South Africa for growth in a rapidly changing global environment, in which technological advances in artificial intelligence and the imperative of tackling climate change will lead to structural changes in economies”.

Discussions were also held on South Africa’s Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) and the country’s role in “advancing the global economic policy agenda as it assumes the Presidency of the G20”.

“President Ramaphosa has outlined a set of clear and actionable priorities for the G20 Presidency which include mobilising finance to support a just transition, addressing the unsustainable debt burden on developing countries, strengthening disaster resilience and response, and harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

“The meeting discussed proposals to advance these priorities, building on the progress made on issues such as international taxation, reform of multilateral development banks, and climate finance,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 01/15/2025 - 09:04

214 views
Read morePresident Ramaphosa chairs first Presidential Economic Advisory Council meeting

Government congratulates Matric Class of 2024  

Location: News

Government congratulates Matric Class of 2024  

Government has extended its congratulations to the Matric Class of 2024 for their outstanding performance in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. 

With a pass rate of 87.3% - the matriculants have exceeded the 82.9% achieved in 2023, marking an impressive improvement of 4.4%. 

The class of 2024 has worked hard and with determination, reflecting a collective effort from learners, teachers, parents, guardians and caregivers. 

“The 2024 results mark a significant milestone in the history of South Africa’s education system, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of democracy. In 1994, many learners faced various odds, with limited access to quality resources, school infrastructure, teaching and appropriate education curriculum. 

“Today, the Class of 2024 benefits from an education system that is more inclusive, better resourced, has access to warm meals, no fee schools and a world renown curriculum. 

“The journey has not been without its trials; among other things, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted schooling globally, causing significant learning losses and posing unprecedented challenges to learners, educators and families. Yet, the Class of 2024 has emerged stronger, proving that perseverance and collective effort can overcome adversity,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Tuesday.

It said that government has worked hard to create an enabling learning environment which includes, amongst others, the eradication of mud schools, pit latrine toilets and provision of good quality classrooms. 

The Department of Basic Education has set a deadline of 31 March 2025 to eradicate all remaining identified pit latrine toilets in schools across the country. 

“Significant progress has been made in building new schools, refurbishing existing ones, and ensuring that learners have access to a safe and dignified learning environment. In addressing the challenges relating to safety and security of both the learners and the teachers, government is working on plans to combat and reduce crime in the country. 

“As the country celebrates the achievements of the Class of 2024, let us also honour the legacy of transformation in the education sector over the past 30 years. Access to education has expanded significantly, and the pass rate for Matric examinations has steadily improved, reflecting the progress made in teaching, learning and resource allocation. 

“The class of 2024 is encouraged to carry forward the values of resilience, dedication and excellence as they embark on the next chapter of their lives,” the GCIS said. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has commended the matric Class of 2024 for their exceptional achievements, highlighting their dedication and the significant strides made in South Africa's basic education sector. 

President Ramaphosa said the achievements of the Class of 2024 are a proud contribution to and evidence of the nation’s progress during 30 Years of Freedom and Democracy.

“These results reinforce our resolute development of our nation’s most valuable resource - our young people. They also provide proof that we are undoing apartheid’s planned legacy of intergenerational indignity, disadvantage and poverty for the majority of South Africans.

“These results demonstrate the agency, resilience and pride of the youth of our nation in creating a better future for themselves and for all of us,” he said following the announcement of the results on Monday. -SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 01/15/2025 - 09:19

147 views
Read moreGovernment congratulates Matric Class of 2024  

Gauteng Legislature embarks on School Readiness Campaign

Location: News

Gauteng Legislature embarks on School Readiness Campaign

Members of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) are expected to embark on a School Readiness Campaign starting on Wednesday, 15 January.

The campaign – which includes visits to several schools across the province – will continue until mid-February.

“This campaign reflects [the] GPL’s commitment to ensuring that schools across the province are fully equipped to receive learners and provide quality education as the new academic year begins,” the GPL said in a statement.

The oversight campaign will be spearheaded by GPL Speaker Morakane Mosupyoe, Deputy Speaker Nomvuyo Mhlakaza-Manamela, Chairperson of Committees Dalton Adams, Deputy Chairperson of Committees Thulani Kunene and Chairperson of the Education Portfolio Committee, Moipone Mhlongo.

“Their visits will focus on assessing infrastructure, safety, learning materials, and educator support. By engaging directly with school management teams, educators, and learners, the campaign aims to identify challenges requiring the government’s attention; and promote accountability within the education system.

“The School Readiness Campaign will take the Presiding Officers to primary, secondary, and special schools across all five regions of Gauteng. The visits will include direct engagements with stakeholders to address barriers to effective teaching and learning,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Wed, 01/15/2025 - 09:23

31 views
Read moreGauteng Legislature embarks on School Readiness Campaign

The New RS Export App Puts the World at Your Fingertips

Location: Business
RS South Africa

RS South Africa (https://Africa.RSDelivers.com/), a global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, committed to empowering industrial customers and suppliers involved in designing, building, or maintaining industrial equipment and facilities, has launched the new RS Export Mobile App (https://apo-opa.co/4aeAy2B).

Whatever your industry, managing operations on-the-go has just become easier. In the fast-paced world of global commerce, time is indeed money. The RS Export app makes finding the correct solution to your problem quicker and easier.

Unleash the power at your fingertips with instant access to a catalogue of over 800 000 electronic, electrical, mechanical, and PPE products, all available with real-time stock and price – right from your mobile device's homepage.

The app is for existing and new RS customers that export goods from South Africa and the UK to the Sub-Saharan African region. Its features have been designed with their specific requirements in mind and it is supported by the experienced RS export support team, which ensures that all paperwork complies with local and international regulations.

The app provides real-time information, allowing customers to stay informed about up-to-the-minute stock availability and price information. Explore the different product categories in the catalogue when searching for inspiration. If you know what you are after, use keywords or manufacturer part numbers. Compare products with detailed technical descriptions, and access manufacturers' data sheets, 3D images, and schematics.

The checkout process is streamlined, showing the total order price, including delivery costs based on destination and product dimensions. You can connect your existing online account for preferential rates, or new users can quickly register through the app. Transactions are simple, with the option to use an RS account or multiple card types for hassle-free payments.

Download the RS Export app today from Google Play and empower your business with distribution excellence from the RS. For more information about the mobile app, visit their website (https://apo-opa.co/4aeAy2B) and follow them on LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/4ah0TNj) for regular updates.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RS South Africa.

PR contact details:
PR Contact Person - RS South Africa:
Princess Tlou
Communications & Content Specialist
RS South Africa
Princess.Tlou@rsgroup.com
+27 11 691 9366

Media Contact Person – NGAGE Agency:
Thobile Ndlovu
PR Account Executive
thobile@ngage.co.za
+27 11 867 7763

Further information is available via these links:

RS South Africa (www.RSOnline.co.za)
RS Africa Exports (https://Africa.RSDelivers.com/)
DesignSpark (https://apo-opa.co/3DRjC6f)
RS Group plc (www.RSGroup.com)

About RS:
RS is a global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, enabling them to operate efficiently and sustainably. 

We operate in 36 markets, stock over 800,000 industrial and specialist products and list an additional five million relevant for our industrial customers, sourced from over 2,500 suppliers. This extensive range supports our customers across the industrial lifecycle of designing, building, and maintaining equipment and operations. We enhance their experience through a tailored service model, leveraging our efficient physical, digital and process infrastructure sustainably. We combine a technically led and digitally enabled approach with an exceptional team of experts; ultimately, it's our people that make the difference.

Our purpose, making amazing happen for a better world, reflects our focus on delivering results for people planet and profit. 

RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2024 reported revenue of £2,942 million.

For more information, please visit: www.RSOnline.co.za

Media files
RS South Africa
Download logo
Read moreThe New RS Export App Puts the World at Your Fingertips

The Just Energy Transition in Africa: Lessons From South Africa and Senegal

Location: News
African Energy Chamber

By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber (https://EnergyChamber.org).

Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP) have been introduced in recent years to provide financial support to developing nations as they transition away from fossil fuels. In 2021, during the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), South Africa became the first nation to sign such a deal. Senegal and the International Partners Group (IGP) signed a JETP in June 2023.

I have said before that the best way for Western countries, and the developed world at large, to help Africa transition from fossil fuels is through investment and collaboration, not patronization. This is precisely what the JETP programs seek to do, assist energy emerging economies that are dependent on coal to transition away from fossil fuels while leaving room to address the associated social consequences. That is investment, that is collaboration, and above all, it is respectful of the reality that Africa can move only on its own schedule in this matter. Arbitrarily forbidding us from using our natural resources will only do more harm than good.

So far, South Africa and Senegal are the only African countries to have agreed to a JETP, with South Africa securing a deal for USD8.5 billion, while Senegal secured one for USD2.7 billion. How South Africa and Senegal intend to leverage these deals differ drastically, however, as do their power generation circumstances.

South Africa: Pulled Between Priorities

Coal continues to dominate South Africa's energy portfolio, at over 80% of the country's power generation mix. Due to chronic load shedding and energy shortage issues, the country is now being pulled between two priorities, ensuring energy security and adhering to its decarbonization plans. General power outages have plagued the country since 2008 but intensified in recent years and effectively hamstrung South Africa's economy, which has not surpassed even 1% gross domestic product (GDP) annual growth in the last decade.

The country's aging coal fleet faces significant maintenance issues which led to several of the country's largest coal units being rendered inoperable in 2023. That year also saw the worst load shedding the country has faced yet, more than twice what it experienced in 2022, leading to energy shortages for 335 days out of the year. This load shedding led to a sharp increase in demand for solar panels and batteries, but Eskom (South Africa's power utility) has had to prioritize energy security instead, prolonging its reliance on coal-fired plants and slowing down their decommissioning. To their credit, Eskom has made significant improvements to their coal plants' maintenance and repair thanks to a recovery strategy launched in early 2023, and they have not suffered another load-shedding event since March 26, 2024.

Nevertheless, the decision to prolong their reliance on coal is at odds with South Africa's JETP. It has also directly led to the South African government seeking renegotiation of finance deals tied to its transition to cleaner energy sources, amounting to some USD2.6 billion of the originally agreed to USD8.5 billion.

Above all, right now South Africa requires a solution that will ensure its energy security while also keeping the country on track with its JETP commitments, especially given its peak demand by 2030 is expected to reach 38 gigawatts (GW), a full 6 GW more than its current peak. And even though 13.6 GW of new power plants are expected to come online by 2027, with solar PV accounting for over half and onshore wind accounting for 25% of the new capacity, coal is still expected to meet two-thirds of daily demand. Battery storage assets awarded by South Africa's Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (BESIPPP) will also contribute to this new capacity. Renewable-based generation in South Africa is also expected to grow from nearly 14.1% currently to nearly 29% by 2030.

I want to be very clear here: South Africa's renewable energy growth is commendable, and Eskom's decision to prioritize energy security via coal when an alternative solution wasn't immediately available was understandable and pragmatic. But the country's renewables are not advancing fast enough to cover for the aging of its coal fleet, and no amount of emergency maintenance campaigns can ensure that similar issues won't lead to a load-shedding crisis again. If unaddressed, it will introduce the risk of shortfalls when the coal fleet is inevitably shut down at its end of life. Gas-to-power is thus the most prudent option for South Africa to prioritize while it continues working to expand its renewable power sources. The flexibility provided by gas-to-power will help meet demand once the coal fleet can no longer provide South Africa's baseload power, leaving it with only its Koeberg nuclear power plant and currently limited solar and hydropower resources to fill in the gap. Not only is natural gas more cost-effective and efficient as a power source than coal, but it is also relatively cheap to retrofit a formerly coal-fired plant with gas turbines, allowing South Africa to both gradually phase out coal while saving money that would otherwise be spent building entirely new infrastructure. All of this will matter a great deal, as South Africa anticipates phasing out coal to require USD99 billion dollars between 2023 and 2027. So far, it has raised half between their JETP deal with the IGP, USD33 billion in private sector investments, and USD10 billion from the public sector. South Africa hopes to fill the gap through both domestic and international private entities in the form of grants, guarantees, and concessional loans.

Fewer Struggles in Senegal

Senegal, meanwhile, looks to be having fewer troubles, being reliant on liquid fuel sources rather than coal. The USD2.7 billion raised through its JETP is expected to attract and mobilize further investments from both the private and public sectors, much the same as South Africa. Senegal, however, will also be receiving technical assistance from its international partners to boost the integration of its renewable energy infrastructure and technology, with a heavy focus on grid stabilization and battery storage. This aligns well with its electrification plans, which aim to achieve 40% of its installed capacity mix provided by renewables by 2030, up considerably from the current 22%.  Senegal has also committed to developing an investment plan within 12 months to identify its needs, opportunities, and allocations to meet its targets.

To that same end, Senegal plans to publish a revised nationally determined contribution (NDC) at COP30, set to take place in late 2025. The current NDC outlines an unconditional target of 235 MW of solar PV, 150 MW of onshore wind, and 314 MW of hydro by 2030. With international assistance, these targets are set to rise to 335 MW of solar PV, 250 MW of onshore wind, 50 MW of bioenergy and 50 MW of solar thermal.

Overall, both South Africa and Senegal stand to benefit significantly from their JETPs, and this is a trend I hope to see continue in the future for African states. There are, of course, growing pains. JETPs are still a nascent program, and the first few deals were signed as political promises first and foremost before the full technical and coordination details could be fully worked out by all sides. The implementation process for South Africa and Senegal has thus been delayed while consultations and negotiations smooth over the logistical details. In addition, JETPs alone will be nowhere near enough to fully cover the financial burden of transitioning African countries away from fossil fuels, and acquiring the private financial investments to bridge the gap may prove difficult for many countries.

This is why it is crucial for African states, and the world at large, to keep a close eye on how things develop in South Africa and Senegal, as their efforts to address these challenges will no doubt set the example for others.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Media files
African Energy Chamber
Download logo
Read moreThe Just Energy Transition in Africa: Lessons From South Africa and Senegal

KZN on track towards its 90% target, Premier

Location: News

KZN on track towards its 90% target, Premier

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, has joined in the jubilation as the province proudly secured second position in the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results.

KwaZulu-Natal achieved an impressive 89.5% pass rate, representing a 3.1% improvement from the previous year, and positions the province as the second-best performing in South Africa, following the Free State.

Ntuli officially announced the 2024 matric results during a prestigious ceremony at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban on Tuesday.

“This is proof that the essential foundation of basic education in KwaZulu-Natal is being laid brick by brick, district by district, school by school, and learner by learner,” Ntuli said.

Ntuli said the provincial government was firmly on track towards its 90% target, and he had “no doubt this performance will be surpassed in 2025”.

Of 161 962 learners who sat for the National Senior Certificate exams in the province, 144 990 learners passed, with 84 000 Bachelor passes, which is the highest in the country, marking a significant improvement from 45.7% in 2023 to 52.2% in 2024.

The province also saw an increase in schools achieving a 100% pass rate, from 246 in 2023 to 321 in 2024.

The district performances also showed an impressive growth, with Umkhanyakude leading nationally at 92.8%, followed by Ugu (91.7%) and Umlazi (89.8%).

Ntuli commended the provincial Education Department and MEC Sipho Hlomuka for their unwavering commitment to academic excellence.

The Premier acknowledged the invaluable contributions of educators, including school governing bodies and organised labour.

Special recognition was given to top achievers and schools, including special and correctional services centres, which achieved a 100% pass rate.

He encouraged the learners who did not pass to enrol for the Second Chance Matric Programme, to improve their results.

“Success is not measured by how many times you fall, but by how many times you rise. Never give up,” the Premier said.

Ntuli further encouraged learners to embrace the evolving job market and equip themselves with skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, to remain competitive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

“You are our future in the making. Grab every opportunity with both hands. KwaZulu-Natal is counting on you to make our province a better place for all.”

Hlomuka commended the matriculants’ perseverance, determination, and commitment.

“The matric class of 2024 commenced their high school journey during the peak of COVID-19 and faced unprecedented challenges, including climate impacts. but they triumphed,” Hlomuka said.

Hlomuka commended uMkhanyakude District for leading with an outstanding 92.8%, as well as teachers in the province for their dedication.

"A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated educators, parents, and stakeholders for their unwavering support. The journey towards educational excellence continues, as we empower future leaders for a brighter tomorrow," Hlomuka said. - SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 01/14/2025 - 15:23

138 views
Read moreKZN on track towards its 90% target, Premier

Eastern Cape celebrates improved Matric results

Location: News

Eastern Cape celebrates improved Matric results

The Eastern Cape’s Class of 2024 has set a new record, boosting the province’s overall pass rate by an impressive 3.56 percentage points. 

This year’s matriculants achieved an 84.9% pass rate, a notable improvement from 81.4% in 2023.

Over the term, this represents a shift from the 76.5% in 2019 to 84.9% in 2024, representing a 4.17% shift over the term. The Eastern Cape has produced a total of 352 524 passes over the term from 2020 to 2024.

This was announced by the provincial education department on Tuesday led by Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade, together with Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, at the International Convention Centre in East London.

“The Class of 2024 represents a watershed period in the learner performance trajectory of the Eastern Cape, characterised by unprecedented improvements in average pass, bachelor passes, subjects pass marks, as well as performance by examination centers.

“The year 2024 is also marked by improved quality of school-based assessments (SBA) submitted to Umalusi for resulting. The emphasis on quality SBA has paid off handsomely again in 2024,” the MEC said.

The number of Bachelor passes increased by 6.1 % from 39.6% in 2023 to 45.7% in 2024. In real terms it means 45 662 of the 99 739 learners obtained a Bachelor pass. 

“Equally improving is the number of distinctions over the last 5 years, moving from 29 064 in 2020 to 35 640 in 2024. Year on year improvements have equally scaled up from 4.2% in 2023 to 5% in 2024. This is evident in the quality of passes in each subject written in 2024,” MEC Gade said. 

The MEC also announced that subject performance, across the spectrum, has improved in 2024. Of the 56 subjects that were written, 30 subjects have shown an upward trajectory, and only 14 subjects dropped by low margins. 

High enrolment subjects, with no less than 10 000 learners for the specific subject, exhibited commendable improvements, with Mathematics, Physics and History showing unprecedented upward trajectories.

District performance also took a new turn in 2024, with 11 districts performing above 80%, with only one district remaining at the upper 70%. Six more districts, compared to 2023, have joined the 80% benchmark. 

The top five performing districts in 2024 are: Chris Hani East being number one at 88.5%, a 4.5% improvement from 84% in 2023, Amathole East is number two at 87.8%, a 5.4% improvement from 82.4% in 2023, Alfred Nzo West is number three at 86.9%, a 2.1% improvement from 84.2% in 2023, Nelson Mandela is number four at 86.7%% a 3.6% improvement from 83.1% and Nzo East is  number five at 85.9%, a 0.8% improvement from 85.1% in 2023. 

The MEC mentioned the tragic incident where five candidates were raped while preparing for examinations. Despite the tragedy, the candidates insisted on writing the exams and all obtained Bachelor passes. 

“The unfortunate incident was that of five candidates’ gang- raped while preparing for their examinations in OR Tambo. However, these kids insisted on writing despite their demise, and I am happy to report that they all obtained Bachelor passes and have joined us for the ceremony,” he said. 

Minister lauds the EC for its performance

Minister Gwarube lauded the province, adding that no province in the country scored below 84%. 

She said this was a result of years of investment and hard work by previous leaders. 

“This province has come a very long way over the years, to get to the point where it is. It's also incredibly encouraging to know that in South Africa today, in 2024 there is not a single province that has scored less than 84% of the pass mark in the country. 

“And that is not something that happens overnight, that is years and years in the making… it takes investment into the system. 

“It's incredibly important for us to pay tribute to those Ministers and MECs who've come before us, who have essentially planted the seed before we arrived, to say this is the direction in which we need to go and now finally, we are able to see and reap the benefits of their hard work over the years,” Gwarube said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Tue, 01/14/2025 - 15:30

48 views
Read moreEastern Cape celebrates improved Matric results

SA hosts G20 Framework Working Group meeting

Location: News

SA hosts G20 Framework Working Group meeting

Technical meetings under the Group of 20 (G20) Finance Track have begun this week with a meeting of the Framework Working Group (FWG).

This after South Africa kicked off its G20 Presidency with the hosting of the G20 Sherpa and Finance Track Meetings in December 2024.

“The National Treasury and the South African Reserve Bank are jointly responsible for overseeing the work of the G20 Finance Track. 

“The mandate of the FWG is to promote strong, sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth, and does so by identifying, monitoring and assessing global macroeconomic risks, vulnerabilities and uncertainties and recommending suitable policy responses to global shocks and cross-cutting global challenges,” National Treasury said in a statement.

The G20 is a grouping of developed and developing countries which together form a powerful bloc representing at least 85% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product and some 75% of international trade – making the FWG critical.

“The first day of the meeting [on Monday focused] on the main headwinds to global growth, ongoing supply and demand risks to inflation, and the main fiscal risks to growth and inflation. It will also discuss the economic outlook for Africa. 

“The second day [Tuesday] of the meeting will discuss the draft FWG work plan for 2025, which includes priority areas identified by the South African Presidency,” the statement continued.

South Africa’s outlined priorities include:
•    enhancing global economic resilience in light of growth risks like fragmentation and macroeconomic imbalances;
•    strengthening macroeconomic foundations and growth reforms in light of climate change and 
•    assessing labour productivity, technological development and demographic change

This week’s FWG meeting is the first of four to be held.

“The remaining three meetings for this Working Group are scheduled for April, June and September, in person, in venues across the country. 

“The outcomes of these meetings will inform discussions at the meetings of the Finance and Central Bank Deputies and Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors,” the statement concluded. 

The G20 Leaders’ Summit is expected to be held in the latter half of 2025. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Tue, 01/14/2025 - 10:05

292 views
Read moreSA hosts G20 Framework Working Group meeting

Police arrest 16 718 suspects during nationwide Operation Shanela

Location: News

Police arrest 16 718 suspects during nationwide Operation Shanela

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested 16 718 suspects during its Operation Shanela crime crackdown, which ran from 6 - 12 January 2025, targeting criminal activities across the country.

“Through Operation Shanela, SAPS continues to take a bold and decisive approach in dealing with crime in the country. These crime fighting activities include tracking operations, roadblocks, high visibility patrols, stop and searches, as well as tracing of wanted suspects,” SAPS said in a statement. 

All Shanela operations are led by the Provincial Commissioner of each province. 

Just this week alone, the following arrests were made:

  •  2 907 wanted suspects were arrested. These suspects were wanted for various serious and violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, business and house robberies.
  • 122 suspects were arrested for murder. The majority of these suspects (36) were arrested in Gauteng, followed by the Eastern Cape (29).
  • 112 suspects were arrested for attempted murder.
  • 223 suspects were arrested for rape. The majority (80) were arrested KwaZulu-Natal.
  • 1 845 suspects were arrested for assault grievous bodily harm.
  • 835 drug dealers were arrested.
  • 2 282 suspects were arrested for being in possession of drugs, with the majority (1 088) of these suspects arrested in the Western Cape.
  • 129 suspects were arrested for being in the illegal possession of firearms, and the majority of these suspects were arrested in KZN (36).
  • 1 341 illegal foreign nationals were also arrested during this period
  • 419 drivers were arrested for drunken driving, with the majority of arrests in Gauteng (114).

Police registered the following successes:

  • 129 firearms were confiscated in the past week.
  • 1 129 rounds of ammunition were also confiscated.
  • 65 hijacked and stolen vehicles were also recovered during this week’s operations.

The police also highlighted major successes, which include the arrest of a 39-year-old man by police in Mpumalanga following a shooting incident where eight people were shot and killed outside a tavern in Pienaar on Saturday. 

The team confiscated a pistol and ammunition during his arrest and the suspect is expected to appear in court soon.

Police in Limpopo also apprehended eight suspects, including a councillor, on allegations of extortion at a construction site along the R555 road in Roossenekal, on 9 January 2025. 

In a separate incident, a joint operation conducted by Sandringham SAPS, Gauteng Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Hawks, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department and a private security company led to the arrest of three Ethiopian foreign nationals suspected of trafficking in persons, kidnapping, extortion and contravention of the Immigration Act. 

The team acted on a tip-off from neighbours about suspicious activities at a house in Sandringham and found 26 Ethiopian nationals who were held captive inside the house. A pistol and one magazine were also seized.

Operation Vala Umgodi task teams continue to record commendable successes in the country.

Just last week alone, police arrested 62 suspects for illegal mining, and the majority of these suspects were arrested in the Free State.

A joint operation by Northern Cape Crime Intelligence, Organised Crime, North West Organised Crime, and Potchefstroom Public Order Police led to the arrest of a 36-year-old man suspected of business robbery in Potchefstroom. The team seized a pistol with its serial number filed off. 

Meanwhile, police in Mpumalanga arrested three men who allegedly shot and killed three men in an incident related to taxi conflict in Piet Retief on 9 January 2025. 

Four firearms, including a rifle and three pistols with ammunition, were seized in the incident. The three suspects are facing three counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder.

“Police will continue with their operations by asserting the authority of the State to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and visitors to the country,” the SAPS said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Tue, 01/14/2025 - 10:23

429 views
Read morePolice arrest 16 718 suspects during nationwide Operation Shanela

Hard work pays off for Gauteng matric Class of 2024 

Location: News

Hard work pays off for Gauteng matric Class of 2024 

Gauteng’s history-making matric Class of 2024 are a testament to the fruits of resilience and hard work.

This is according to the provincial Education MEC Matome Chiloane who announced the province’s matric results at a ceremony held in Midrand on Tuesday.

This followed on the announcement of the 2024 National Senior Certificate results by the Department of Basic Education on Monday.

At least 133 000 full time learners wrote the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams in Gauteng with more than 117 000 passing and achieving a 88.4% pass rate.

Bachelor passes improved from 44.3% in 2023 to 52.3% in 2024. 

“Your exceptional results are a testament to your resilience and brilliance. Through sheer determination and tireless commitment, you have transformed your dreams into reality – demonstrating that excellence is born where dedication meets perseverance.

“This is the best performance since 1995 … in fact, it’s the highest in Gauteng history. Therefore, congratulations to the Class of 2024. Your hard work and resilience has [sic] been justly rewarded,” he said.

The MEC gave special mention to Lufhereng Secondary School – a no fee-paying school which achieved a 100% pass rate with 97% of learners obtaining Bachelor passes.

“It’s a mobile school and it’s free. The reality is that, whether you’ve paid R200 000 for your child to be in school or for free, this year, they are going to be sitting next to each other at Wits University.

“Lufhereng is our best school in terms of performance in our province. What is special about Lufhereng…they’ve got a very good principal. At the same time, it’s the culture of the school, you need to create a culture of being proud. This is one school that we should use a model for others. It’s a new benchmark for all our schools,” he said.

Chiloane thanked school governing bodies (SGB) and parents for supporting their children through the rigorous exam period. 

“We could not have done, and we cannot do it without our educators and principals. Thousands of you...have shown in the past year, your dedication to your profession and to our children [by] attending courses, participating in our in-service development offerings, upgrading your management skills and most importantly, putting our learners at the centre of your efforts every day.

“Let me mention the SGB association and the many parents across the province without whose contribution we would struggle achieve success. Your efforts and contribution to the outcomes…prove that our children and our country are best served by constructive engagement from all sides,” Chiloane said.

READ | President Ramaphosa commends Matric Class of 2024 on record achievements

Gauteng matriculants can retrieve their results from https://results.gauteng.gov.za/ .  – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 01/14/2025 - 13:07

26 views
Read moreHard work pays off for Gauteng matric Class of 2024 

Police seize counterfeit goods in Musina

Location: News

Police seize counterfeit goods in Musina

Counterfeit and illicit goods valued at over R5 million have been seized in a police operation in Musina, Limpopo.

The South African Police Service (SAPS), in collaboration with its crime-fighting partners, conducted an operation that was spearheaded by the National Counterfeit Goods Unit, with support from the SAPS Gauteng Drone Team, including the Bloemfontein K9 Unit, South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs, and brand protectors on Sunday.

A roving team comprising SAPS members from specialised units deployed in Limpopo, as part of Operation Vala Umgodi, also participated in the operation.

The team executed a search-and-seizure warrant at a shopping mall in Musina's central business district.

Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, said more than 2 000 counterfeit and illicit items, including sneakers, clothing, cellphone accessories, perfume and consumables, were confiscated during the operation.

She said two Eritrean nationals and one Bangladeshi national, all asylum seekers, were arrested for dealing in counterfeit goods.

The Bangladeshi national faces an additional charge for bribery after attempting to bribe officers at the scene to evade arrest.

“On the same day, the team stopped and searched vehicles in the area, which led them to arrest a suspect for possession of a stolen vehicle. The members also seized dagga and drugs found abandoned in a taxi after the driver and commuters fled the scene on foot,” Van Wyk said in a statement.

Van Wyk noted that while primarily tasked with addressing crimes associated with illicit mining, the members contribute to combating a broader range of criminal activities in the province.

She said SAPS, together with its partners, remains steadfast in its efforts to eliminate the illegal trade of counterfeit and illicit goods, which poses risks to consumers, harm legitimate businesses, and undermine the economy of the country. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 01/14/2025 - 10:38

153 views
Read morePolice seize counterfeit goods in Musina

Matric results day brings joy and celebration across South Africa

Location: News

Matric results day brings joy and celebration across South Africa

There was a hive of activity at schools across the country this morning as matriculants eagerly returned to collect their examination results. 

The air was filled with excitement, nervous anticipation and bursts of joy, as learners celebrated the culmination of 12 years of hard work.

Many schools held special celebrations to honor the Class of 2024, applauding their resilience and dedication. Teachers and principals were on hand to congratulate the learners, and many students took the opportunity to express their heartfelt gratitude to their educators for their unwavering support and guidance.

One standout achiever in the 2024 matric cohort is South African teenage sprinting sensation, Bayanda Walaza. The Olympic silver medalist capped off an extraordinary 2024 by crossing the matric finish line with flying colors. 

Walaza achieved a Bachelor pass with exemption and secured a distinction, marking yet another milestone in a year that also saw him clinch an Olympic silver medal and the title of Junior World Champion.

Reflecting on his achievement, Walaza admitted to feeling a mix of nerves and excitement as he opened his results. 

“It was scary to open the envelope, but I’m really impressed with how I did,” he said.

He said the results have inspired him to push himself to be better both on and off the track.

Walaza, who plans to study Logistics, has shown that balancing academics and sports at the highest level is possible with determination and hard work. 

His story is a shining example of the potential within South Africa’s youth and a source of inspiration for many.

Across the nation, the Class of 2024 is celebrating excellence and new beginnings. From heartfelt reunions with teachers to sharing dreams of the future with family and friends, the day marks a significant milestone in the lives of South Africa’s young achievers.

The Class of 2024 achieved an unprecedented achievement that bears testimony to learners’ personal commitment and advances in the basic education sector.

The national pass rate for the National Senior Certificate increased from 82.9% in 2023 to 87.3% last year, which is the highest ever in the country’s history. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 01/14/2025 - 11:48

88 views
Read moreMatric results day brings joy and celebration across South Africa

KZN CoGTA moves to address Ray Nkonyeni Municipality challenges

Location: News

KZN CoGTA moves to address Ray Nkonyeni Municipality challenges

KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has intervened to resolve the impasse at the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, which has halted service delivery.

Buthelezi convened a meeting with ratepayers, including business representatives, trade unions and Ray Nkonyeni Municipality leaders, to resolve the three-month-long workers' strike, which has affected service delivery.

Held at the municipality’s council chamber in Port Shepstone last Friday, the meeting was attended by the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Deputy Mayor, Sibusiso Shange, various representatives from business forums, tourism businesses, amakhosi, and ratepayers.

The strike has devastated service delivery in the key tourism hub, causing significant financial losses to businesses and forcing residents to seek alternative solutions for essential services, including waste collection, water and electricity.

The dispute between the municipality and its employees stems from an arbitration award related to back pay and the regrading of workers following the 2016 merger of Ezinqolweni and Hibiscus Coast Local Municipalities to form Ray Nkonyeni Municipality.

The municipality appealed the arbitration decision, and the matter remains unresolved in the Labour Court. 

In October 2024, workers commenced industrial action, demanding the municipality honour the award.

During the meeting on Friday, Buthelezi provided all stakeholders with an opportunity to express their concerns and propose solutions.

Business and tourism representatives emphasised the heavy losses incurred due to the lack of service delivery, while amakhosi called for an urgent resolution, highlighting the negative impact on businesses and residents’ well-being.

Buthelezi said the municipality could have handled this matter with greater diligence to avoid a complete shutdown.

The MEC said it was the department’s responsibility to mediate and give all parties a final opportunity to engage constructively and resolve the issue.

He said some aspects of the situation could have been better managed.

"[However] before we take decisive action, we are allowing a two-week period for resolution.

“Our primary aim is to safeguard jobs and ensure that businesses do not continue to suffer irreparable harm. When businesses close, people lose jobs – something we must prevent at all costs.

“All stakeholders, including amakhosi, have expressed their desire for an end to the strike and we expect an amicable solution to be reached by 31 January 2025. Should this not occur, the department will have no choice but to implement further interventions,” Buthelezi said.

The MEC is expected to return to the municipality on 31 January 2025 to review progress and take further action. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 01/14/2025 - 11:31

4 views
Read moreKZN CoGTA moves to address Ray Nkonyeni Municipality challenges

Western Cape achieves highest NSC pass rate ever

Location: News

Western Cape achieves highest NSC pass rate ever

The Western Cape Matric Class of 2024 has excelled with a matric pass rate of 86.6%, which is a 5.1 percentage point increase on last year’s pass rate and the province’s highest National Senior Certificate pass rate ever.

“Moreover, our bachelors pass rate, which is a crucial indicator of the quality of matric passes, has also increased by 5.6 percentage points to 47.8%. This is also the highest bachelors pass rate our department has achieved to date,” Western Cape MEC for Education David Maynier said on Monday.

The province also achieved the top Mathematics and top Physical Science pass rates again this year, with a Mathematics pass rate of 78.0%, and Physical Science pass rate of 79.4%.

“Our candidates achieved our highest number of subject distinctions to date, with 11 699 candidates achieving a total of 27 948 distinctions for the second highest distinctions rate in the country.

“We have the second highest pass rate in the country for Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) at 91.0%, and the highest bachelors pass rate in the country for LSEN learners at 63.3%,” the MEC said.

The province has the highest retention rate from Grade 10 to 12 in the country at 68.3%, and nearly 3 800 more Western Cape learners passed their matric exam this year compared to 2023.

“We are also delighted that our candidates have once again shone on the national stage, with four Western Cape matrics receiving awards this evening including the top candidate in the country,” he said.

These top candidates include Rayyan Ebrahim from Pinelands High School, Matthew Christopher Wise from Pinelands High School, Nicholas David Schreiber from Rondebosch Boys' High School and Jordan Raubenheimer from De La Bat School.

The four received their awards at the announcement of the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results in Johannesburg on Monday night.

“Congratulations to our Class of 2024 and thank you for the hard work that you put in to ensure that you achieved your goals. You made a decision to invest in your own futures, and we can’t wait to see what you will go on to achieve after matric.
“The outstanding results would not have been possible without the support of matric teachers and matric parents. Thank you for everything that you have done to allow our candidates to shine, and for helping them to take their next steps.

“To the Class of 2025; last year’s matrics have shown you what can be done with dedication to your studies. We will do everything we can to support you, and if you use the year wisely, we will be celebrating with you next year,” the MEC said.

At Monday night’s ceremony, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube announced that the Matric Class of 2024 has achieved an overall pass rate of 87.3%, making it the highest matric pass rate in the history of South Africa.

“I am proud to announce that in 2024, 615 429 learners passed the National Senior Certificate (NSC) – more than any other time in our history. South Africa’s national pass rate for the 2024 National Senior Certificate has therefore increased from 82.9% in 2023 to 87.3%,” Gwarube said.

READ | Class of 2024 achieves historic pass rate

-SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Tue, 01/14/2025 - 10:19

0 views
Read moreWestern Cape achieves highest NSC pass rate ever

Call for Limpopo residents to remain vigilant amidst Cyclone Dikeledi warning

Location: News

Call for Limpopo residents to remain vigilant amidst Cyclone Dikeledi warning

Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, has called on the residents of the province to remain vigilant as Cyclone Dikeledi approaches Mozambique. 

Although current reports indicate that the cyclone poses no immediate threat to South Africa, its proximity to Mozambique may result in potential risks to areas bordering Limpopo.

“The safety of our communities remains our utmost priority. We call upon all residents to stay informed, listen to official messages from our disaster management team, and act promptly in response to their guidance,” the Premier said on Monday.

Dr Ramathuba has assured residents that the province’s disaster management team is on high alert and has commenced proactive planning to respond to any possible impacts of the cyclone. 

The Limpopo government will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide timely updates to residents. 

Residents are advised to regularly check official weather updates and alerts, avoid spreading unverified information that may cause unnecessary panic, and ensure safety precautions are in place, particularly in low-lying areas prone to flooding.

The provincial government said it is deeply concerned about the damage caused by heavy rains in recent weeks. 

“Residents are strongly urged to exercise caution and avoid crossing low-lying bridges during heavy rains. Additionally, parents and guardians are advised to ensure that children do not play near rivers or streams, as these areas pose significant dangers during flood conditions. Let us work together to prioritize safety and prevent unnecessary tragedies during this challenging period,” the provincial government said. -SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Tue, 01/14/2025 - 09:18

47 views
Read moreCall for Limpopo residents to remain vigilant amidst Cyclone Dikeledi warning

President Ramaphosa Commends Matric Class of 2024 on Record Achievements

Location: News

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
Download logo

President Cyril Ramaphosa commends the Matric Class of 2024 on multiple unprecedented achievements that bear testimony to learners' personal commitment and advances in the basic education sector.

In 2024, 615 429 learners passed the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, surpassing the pass rate at any other time in the country's history.

The national pass rate for the National Senior Certificate increased from 82.9% in 2023 to 87.3% last year.

Nearly half of learners who wrote the NSC examinations received a Bachelor pass, while nearly 320 000 distinctions were achieved.

President Ramaphosa said: “The achievements of the Class of 2024 are a proud contribution to and evidence of our progress as a nation during 30 years of freedom and democracy.

“These results reinforce our resolute development of our nation's most valuable resource, our young people. They also provide proof that we are undoing apartheid's planned legacy of intergenerational indignity, disadvantage and poverty for the majority of South Africans.

“These results demonstrate the agency, resilience and pride of the youth of our nation in creating a better future for themselves and for all of us.

“In the public and private basic education sectors, our learners, teachers and parents or caregivers deserve our appreciation, alongside school governing bodies, partners in the private sector, trade unions and academia.

“The doors of learning have swung wide open and we will celebrate each new generation that passes through these doors successfully.

“As Government and our partners in civil society, we must all work together to ensure that learners such as the Class of 2024 are able to take up as many opportunities as we can create for them to succeed.

“This must include the space and inspiration for young people to set their own course as entrepreneurs, innovators, inventors and other embodiments of creativity and self-reliance.

“The achievements of the Class of 2024 must also sharpen our resolve to attend to challenges affecting the education sector and our economic performance. We are confident the Class of 2024 will itself produce some of the answers to these challenges.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Read morePresident Ramaphosa Commends Matric Class of 2024 on Record Achievements

Government makes quality of education a priority

Location: News

Government makes quality of education a priority

While South Africa has made good progress in expanding education access, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube says government must now focus on improving the quality of the education that learners receive.

“Learners must leave our schools with an education and a qualification that allows them to pursue higher education opportunities or enter the job market in order to live lives of dignity,” Gwarube said on Monday.

Addressing the announcement of the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results in Johannesburg, the Minister said too many learners progress through the basic education system without mastering foundational skills, particularly in literacy and numeracy, which are critical for performing well in gateway subjects like Mathematics and Physical Sciences.

“These deficits accumulate over time, limiting learners' abilities to succeed in higher grades and in these gateway subjects and diminishing their prospects of accessing further education and employment opportunities.

“This trend manifests itself in the decrease in enrolments in subjects such as Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Accounting and Economics, which are all subjects that are critical for a nation’s ability to advance in science, innovation and economic development,” the Minister said.

In response to these trends, the Department of Basic Education will embark on an urgent strategic reorientation of the system towards strengthening foundational learning.

“Furthermore, provinces, districts and schools must put together plans to arrest the decline of enrolments in critical subjects. The systemic interventions that we will undertake in this regard include expanding access to quality Early Childhood Development (ECD) for learners before they enter the basic education system and improving the quality of teaching and learning in the Foundation Phase.

“I believe that this strategic reorientation towards ECD and the Foundation Phase will improve the quality of the learning outcomes we are able to achieve throughout the system – from Grades R to 3 in the Foundation Phase, Grades 4 to 6 in the Intermediate Phase, Grades 7 to 9 in the Senior Phase and ultimately Grades 10 to 12 in the Further Education and Training Phase,” the Minister said.

In doing so, more learners are expected to move through schooling with greater confidence to take on and succeed in subjects that set them on a path for personal and professional success.

“Universal access to quality ECD programmes by 2030 remains a central goal. We will continue our mass registration drive to formalise ECD programmes, aligned with the National Curriculum Framework for ECD and supported by newly developed learning and teaching support materials.

“We will also prioritise the professional development of ECD practitioners and their integration into the basic education system, as well as prioritise the resourcing of ECD centres, particularly in rural and underserved communities,” the Minister said.

She said the department would intensify support for teacher training with a strategic focus on improving literacy and numeracy in the Foundation Phase.

“We will also ensure that the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme prioritises students who want to pursue a teaching career in the Foundation Phase. 

“During 2025, we will be reviewing the Post Provisioning Norms as a matter of urgency to ensure that they account for our drive to achieve universal access to quality Grade R and our strategic focus on improving reading and calculating in the Foundation Phase,” the Minister said.

These norms have not been updated in over 20 years and determine how educator posts are distributed to public schools.

“By prioritising updates to the National Catalogue of Learning and Teaching Support Materials for the Foundation Phase in 2025, Provincial Education Departments and public schools will be able to purchase textbooks, learning materials and equipment from a comprehensive, educationally sound and linguistically inclusive list that has been specifically approved by experts to achieve national curriculum standards in the Foundation Phase.

“If we are to improve the quality of education outcomes, we need to protect teaching and learning time, ensuring that our teachers are at school and teaching for the entire day, for 230 days per year, to ensure adequate coverage of the curriculum,” said the Minister. 

Gwarube announced that 615 429 learners passed the NSC – more than any other time in the country’s history. 

South Africa’s national pass rate for the 2024 National Senior Certificate increased from 82.9% in 2023 to 87.3%. - SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Mon, 01/13/2025 - 20:50

41 views
Read moreGovernment makes quality of education a priority

Class of 2024 achieves historic pass rate

Location: News

Class of 2024 achieves historic pass rate

The Matric Class of 2024 has achieved an overall pass rate of 87.3%, making it the highest matric pass rate in the history of South Africa.

“I am proud to announce that in 2024, 615 429 learners passed the National Senior Certificate (NSC) – more than any other time in our history. South Africa’s national pass rate for the 2024 National Senior Certificate has therefore increased from 82.9% in 2023 to 87.3%,” Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube said on Monday.

Addressing the announcement of the 2024 NSC results in Johannesburg, Gwarube said this was the highest matric pass rate in the history of the country and should be a moment of great pride and celebration for all.

Nearly half of the learners who wrote the NSC examinations received a Bachelor pass.

Bachelor passes 

According to the Minister, 47.8% of candidates qualified for admission to Bachelor studies, which is a significant improvement from last year’s 40.9% and represents the highest number of Bachelor passes in recent history.

“This is a 6.9% increase from last year. In 2014, we produced 150 752 Bachelor passes. In just a decade this number has more than doubled in 2024 to 337 158 Bachelor passes.

“It is also encouraging to see that some of our provinces with the highest numbers of learners are achieving high numbers of Bachelor passes.

“In 2024, I am pleased to announce that KwaZulu Natal achieved the highest number of Bachelor passes with 84 470, followed by Gauteng with 66 979 and the Eastern Cape with 45 662,” the Minister said.

Approximately 67% of the Bachelor passes achieved in 2024 came from Quintile 1 to 3 schools, which are typically found in poorer communities.

“This percentage represents an increase from 2023. This means that poorer communities are producing more and more candidates who can go on to become doctors, engineers, accountants and scientists,” she said.

Distinctions 

The Class of 2024 achieved an impressive number of 319 651 distinctions.

“This represents a significant increase of over 65 000 distinctions from last year. Some of these increases were seen in key subjects, including Mathematics. I am pleased to report that every province increased the number of distinctions achieved in 2023.

“KwaZulu Natal was once more the top performing province in terms of the percentage of candidates obtaining distinctions, with 10.8% distinction potential achieved.

“Coming in second with 6.3% of distinction potential achieved was the Western Cape, followed by Gauteng with 5.3%. Notable progress was made by Mpumalanga and Limpopo in this regard where we saw this percentage increase by over 1% in 2024 when compared to the results for 2023,” Gwarube explained.

Every province improved on its performance from 2023, and every province achieved above 84%. 

Mathematics and Physical Sciences

In 2024, 69.1% of learners passed Mathematics, which is an increase from 63.5% in 2023. 

However, in Physical Sciences, while 75.6% of learners passed, this was a decrease from 76.2% in 2023. 

“While the number and percentage of learners achieving distinctions in Mathematics increased in 2024 from 2023, the number and percentage of learners achieving distinctions in Physical Sciences has dropped.

“The improvement in performance in Mathematics is encouraging. However, the decreasing participation rates in these key subjects, and the decrease in performance in Physical Sciences, highlight the urgent need to improve foundational literacy and numeracy to ensure that our schooling system produces learners who are confident and capable enough to choose and excel in Maths and Science subjects throughout their schooling career,” the Minister said.

Improvements 

In 2024, more high schools achieved a pass rate in the NSC examinations of between 80% and 100% than in 2023. 

“In 2023, the number of high schools achieving this was 4 493 and in 2024 this number increased to 5 387 representing 77.7% of our high schools. Also important to note is that the number of underperforming schools has decreased,” the Minister said.

Approximately 97% of learners enrolled for Grade 12 in 2024 ultimately wrote the NSC exams in 2024.

“In 2024, we saw the number of full-time candidates writing the National Senior Certificate examinations increase from 691 160 in 2023 to 705 291 in 2024.

“We also saw the number of learners with special education needs who wrote the National Senior Certificate examinations increase from 5 288 in 2023 to 6 470 in 2024.

“Furthermore, we saw 556 726 learners who are beneficiaries of social grants writing the National Senior Certificate exams in 2024 – 12 938 more than in 2023,” the Minister said.

She said the 2024 National Senior Certificate results for 2024 show that the schooling system was maturing, but that there was still much work to be done to improve the quality of education outcomes. 

READ | Class of 2024 commended for their resilience 

Earlier in the day, the Minister together with mobile network provider, MTN hosted a Ministerial Breakfast in honour of 39 matric top achievers. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Mon, 01/13/2025 - 20:10

30 views
Read moreClass of 2024 achieves historic pass rate

Mukuru Launches Mobile Wallet in Zimbabwe to Bolster Financial Inclusion

Location: News
MukuruNext-generation financial services platform Mukuru (www.Mukuru.com) has launched a mobile wallet in Zimbabwe called Mukuru Wallet. The secure digital store of value follows Mukuru's award of a Deposit-Taking Microfinance Institution (DTMFI) licence in Zimbabwe by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.

Building on Mukuru's trusted capabilities, which support more than three-million Zimbabwean customers, the wallet has several benefits, including its standout features: two pockets that allow users to send and receive money locally and internationally from mobile phones, safe storage of funds as well as a free cashout on international transfers.

Marc Carrie-Wilson, Send Money Home Zimbabwe CEO says: “The Mukuru Wallet is a significant development in the country because we have built a reputable brand by consistently ensuring cash availability when needed. To avoid disappointing people who travel long distances to receive their remittances which they use for food, school fees and other essential services, we now have 250 of our own service points. With a network stretching across urban and rural areas, we can reach more people than ever, providing constant cash availability and valuable digital solutions, such as the Mukuru Wallet, to the underserved communities.”

Mukuru Zimbabwe Financial Services CEO, Doug Tait-Knight, says: “Mukuru takes its role as a fintech driving financial inclusion seriously. With this wallet, we tap into our strength which lies in our robust network and technology, as well as our crispy notes that are always available, making this an exciting moment in our evolution in Zimbabwe.

“The wallet environment enables us to start providing additional value such as allowing more affordable domestic money transfers, supporting safety by eliminating the need for customers to walk around with large sums of money, and providing convenience and cost savings, such as paying for electricity, buying airtime, settling DSTV bills and paying for insurance from their couch. Our use of multiple channels also ensures accessibility for our customers,” explains Tait-Knight.

While currently focusing on private end users, soon organisations will be able to partner with Mukuru to make use of its local capabilities and global footprint to facilitate payments, such as distributing money to farmers, supporting payroll for small businesses and securing traceable aid distributions. Various organisations such as Cottco and the United Nations, through the World Food Programme, and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) already partner with Mukuru.

Kevin Nyakotyo, Mukuru's Enterprise Sales Manager for Zimbabwe and Zambia, added, “Our success in the end-user sector has enabled us to set in motion plans to enter the business sector. Whether it is for tobacco or cotton, payments made to farmers are often large sums of money. The Mukuru Wallet will make receiving these large sums of money far safer because beneficiaries won't need to draw all their cash at the same time.

“We have a mandate to educate the market based on trends we see, and with this wallet, we are reaching out to both organisations and individuals and giving them peace of mind to know their funds will be safe and can be collected at any time. They can draw an amount that suits them with full confidence the cash will be available wherever they are, whenever they need it,” says Nyakotyo.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mukuru.

Notes to Editor: 
Mukuru is a leading next generation financial services platform in Southern Africa that offers affordable and reliable financial services to a customer base of over 17 million+  across Africa, Asia and Europe.

With over 100 million transactions to date, our core was built providing international money transfers and from this base, we've developed a set of services to address the broader financial needs of our customers. We now operate in over 60 countries and across over 500 remittance corridors.

We are a business that puts the customer at the centre of everything we do, and for that reason, we serve clients across physical and digital channels, by various payment methods (cash, card, wallet) as well as a range of engagement platforms including WhatsApp, USSD, contact centre, App, website, agents and a branch and booth network.

Mukuru has, for the fifth consecutive year, been listed as one of the top 100 Cross Border Payments businesses in the world in the 2024 FXC Intelligence Top 100 Cross-Border Payment Companies (https://apo-opa.co/3PCjAkY), one of only six African companies to receive this accolade.

In 2023, Mukuru officially ranked sixth on the LinkedIn Top Companies List in South Africa.

Mukuru was celebrated for innovation and excellence at the 2023 Africa Tech Festival Awards, receiving the Fintech Innovation of the Year Award - an acknowledgment of the transformative power of financial technology in driving economic growth, financial inclusion, and digital transformation. Visit www.Mukuru.com to learn more.

Media Enquiries:
Ammaarah Kootbodien
ammaarah@duomarketing.co.za
(+27) 071 529 6449

Kgomotso Hlakudi 
kgomotso.hlakudi@mukuru.com
(+27) 073 333 1672

Mthokozisi Dube
mtho.dube@lalataucomms.co.za
(+27) 81 790 2070

Media files
Mukuru
Download logo
Read moreMukuru Launches Mobile Wallet in Zimbabwe to Bolster Financial Inclusion

Class of 2024 commended for their resilience

Location: News

Class of 2024 commended for their resilience

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has commended the 2024 matric top achievers for their resilience and determination.

Gwarube, together with mobile network provider, MTN, hosted a Ministerial Breakfast in honour of 39 matric top achievers on Monday.

Held in Randburg, Johannesburg, the event comes ahead of the official announcement of the 2024 matric results later on Monday .

Congratulating the country’s top achievers, Gwarube said the learners demonstrated that challenges are not roadblocks, but stepping stones to greatness.

Despite punishing poverty levels, with some learners coming from child-headed households, Gwarube said the learners are thriving and putting their future first.

“Many of you do not come from affluent households… Thank you for enduring the hard times. It has been worth it.

“Soon, you will take on the pen and write your beautiful story. The next chapter of South Africa’s story will be exciting because of your work ethic and hard work. Do not view it as a daunting task… the future is yours to shape!” Gwarube told learners.

The Minister also noted that the official announcement of the 2024 matric results will see two extraordinary learners being honoured with a special ministerial award for overcoming immense adversity to achieve excellent results in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

“They’ve showed us that even some of the things that could break many of us, they’ve used it to fuel themselves so that they can strive for better and change their lives,” the Minister said.

She said the department has this year adopted the South African national flower, the protea, as the theme for the 2024 matric result. The protea is a symbol of enduring strength.

“The protea thrives in adversity, with its woody seeds, corns and its roots that are designed to survive even the worst of wildfires. In fact, the seeds of the protea, once ashes have been left behind, nourish the soil, making sure that the flower grows and becomes better than before,” explained Gwarube.

READ | Determination pays off for top achievers

MTN Chief Risk Officer Bradley Swanepoel extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2024.

The matric results will be announced at 6pm. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 01/13/2025 - 14:28

91 views
Read moreClass of 2024 commended for their resilience

Determination pays off for top achievers

Location: News

Determination pays off for top achievers

Despite coming from a financially poor background, without parental support, matric learner Thobeka Langa has proven that determination and hard work can change your outcomes.

Aged 17, Thobeka from Rustenburg, North West, was among the country's 2024 matric top achievers, who were honoured by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube during a Ministerial Breakfast held in Randburg, Johannesburg, on Monday.

The 39 top achievers were honoured ahead of the announcement of the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, which takes place later today.

Speaking to SAnews on the sidelines of the event, Thobeka admitted that she was not expecting to be among the top achievers, especially after a challenging Physics exam.

“It has been a really rough journey, and after writing that Physics Paper, I really thought that all my chances of coming here were shattered, but God had other plans,” said an elated Thobeka.

Thobeka, who is a social grant beneficiary, will be studying Chemical Engineering at the University of Pretoria. She said her dream is to be among those who make an impact in the world. 

She emphasised the importance of education as a means of opening up doors to a brighter future.

“As SASSA [South African Social Security Agency] grant beneficiaries, we are often undermined. Having grown up without both parents, I really thought that I would not become anything, but here I am now.

“This is confirmation, clarification, fulfilment, and coming to an end of a marathon. After completing my studies, I will be a qualified engineer, probably specialising somewhere. Maybe I will still be in South Africa or abroad. Who knows?” an optimistic Thobeka said.

Another top achiever, Nqubeko Bekwa from Emzamweni High School in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, said he could not believe that he was among the top students.

The 19-year-old, who will be pursuing his Actuarial Science studies at the University of Cape Town, maintained that in life, there are no miracles, but “one must push hard, have a vision and be disciplined” in order to see positive results.

“You must work hard, even though you feel tired and sleepy. I could not sleep at night because I wanted to be here, and once you change your mind set, everything just happens without any struggle,” Bekwa said.

According to the Department of Social Development, out of 882 336 registered learners who sat for the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, 697 502 are social grant beneficiaries, representing 79% of registered learners.

“Out of this number, 1 068 of the learners were children who were in conflict with the law during their schooling years,” the department said in a statement.

Gwarube and Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule will announce the NSC results for the class of 2024 in Johannesburg at 6pm. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 01/13/2025 - 13:29

122 views
Read moreDetermination pays off for top achievers