We talked to experts in obesity, tobacco, artificial intelligence, HIV, TB and the NHI to find out what we can expect – and what we can’t – this year.

Festive season stats show a 5% reduction in fatal crashes

Preliminary data from the 2025/26 Festive Season Road Safety Campaign indicates a five percent reduction in both fatalities and crashes when compared to the same period last year.

“This year, a total of 1 427 fatalities were recorded from 1 172 crashes this year. The data shows that the 2025/26 festive season recorded the...

Claims of out-of-province recruitments for farming learnership false, says dept

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has expressed concern at an audio recording circulating on various social media platforms. 

This recording falsely claims that the department has recruited individuals from other provinces for a learnership programme at the Kgora Farmers...

W Cape to ensure school placements for all children in 2026

MEC for Education in the Western Cape, David Maynier, says the province will continue working tirelessly to place all children who are still seeking school placements as the country begins the 2026 academic year.

“This is a challenging task, as hundreds of new applications are arriving each week,” he said on Wednesday,...

National Dialogue steering committee induction this weekend

The induction of the National Dialogue’s new steering committee will be held this weekend at the University of South Africa’s (Unisa) Muckleneuk’s main campus in Pretoria.

The National Dialogue was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa last year and is aimed at addressing challenges facing South Africa.

In December the...

SA welcomes approval of AGOA Extension Bill

Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) Minister Parks Tau has welcomed the approval of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Extension Bill by the USA House of Representatives.

AGOA is critical legislation that allows for eligible sub-Saharan African countries to enjoy duty-free access to the US market.

“The renewal...

Hlabisa advocates for stronger traditional leadership and local governance

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has emphasised the vital role of traditional leadership in maintaining community stability and enhancing local governance. 

He highlighted the ongoing review of the White Paper on Local Government and reiterated the...

IDT CEO, Tebogo Malaka, resigns

Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, has confirmed the resignation of Independent Development Trust (IDT) CEO, Tebogo Malaka, with effect from 31 January 2026.

Malaka was suspended in August last year, following the release of an independent report into the botched R836 million Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plant...

Deputy Minister encourages learners to take charge of their future

Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has urged learners to take responsibility for their education and actively shape their future.

Speaking during a Back-to-School programme at Sivananda Technical High School, the Deputy Minister welcomed learners to the 2026 academic year and...

Kruger National Park prioritises safety of tourists amid floods

Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille says the precautionary evacuation of tourists at the Kruger National Park, due to ongoing heavy rainfall, will ensure the safety and well-being of its visitors and staff members.

In a statement on Thursday, the Minister expressed her solidarity with tourists affected by the flooding...

Minister Gwarube conducts back-to-school oversight visits in North West

Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube, on Wednesday undertook a back-to-school oversight visit to schools in Lethlabile, in the North West, as part of the Department of Basic Education’s Back to School programme. 

The visit formed part of government’s efforts to officially welcome learners back to school...

Learners urged to have a clear plan as 2026 school year gets underway

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has encouraged learners across the country to approach the 2026 school year with renewed focus, discipline and a commitment to academic excellence. 

In a series of back-to-school messages shared on its official social media platforms, the department highlighted the...