Latest News & Developments
basic education
South Africa's government and civil society unite for the International Day of the Boy Child
On May 16, South Africa will commemorate the International Day of the Boy Child at Thaba Tshwane City Hall, where government officials and civil society leaders will unite to tackle the pressing challenges faced by boys.
Teachers march against austerity measures harming South African education
Teachers affiliated with Sadtu protest against government austerity measures, demanding better conditions and funding for education.
How to apply for one of the 200,000 teacher assistant positions offered by the government
Learn how to apply for one of the 200,000 teacher assistant positions being offered by the government as part of the Basic Education Employment Initiative.
Government offers 200,000 teacher assistant positions — how to apply
Discover how the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) is creating over 200,000 job opportunities for unemployed youth in South Africa, as applications for Phase V open. Learn about eligibility criteria and how to apply for these vital positions
Mpumalanga Education Department defends R2 million paid for laptops, says MEC is not involved
The 22 laptops worth over R2 million were purchased to reset user passwords via Active Directory Manager, assist users with email connectivity issues and rebuild user accounts, according to the Mpumalanga Department of Education. .
30 years of broken promises: UAT condemns government inaction on deadly school pit toilets
The United Africans Transformation party has condemned the South African government's failure to meet its own deadline for eradicating dangerous pit toilets in schools, with 141 facilities still putting thousands of children at risk despite 30 years of democracy.
Education Minister prioritises safe school infrastructure over pit toilet deadlines
After years of her party criticising government delays in eradicating dangerous pit toilets in schools, Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube now emphasises that safety and quality infrastructure matter more than deadlines.
Snakes, collapsing roofs plague Limpopo school as parents demand urgent action
Snake sightings, holes in the floors, and missing roofs and doors are just some hazards faced by learners at Mahlolwaneng Primary School in Limpopo, leaving parents demanding urgent intervention.
Ramaphosa confirms ongoing talks on 2025 National Budget pass as VAT increase faces opposition
With the ANC seeking cross-party support to pass the 2025 national budget, the proposed 0. 5% VAT hike remains a key point of contention with several political parties.
Over 93% of pit toilets eradicated in South African schools, says Education minister
Minister Siviwe Gwarube has announced that over 93% of pit toilets in South African public schools have been eradicated, marking a significant milestone in the SAFE initiative aimed at providing safe sanitation for all learners.
KZN school leadership rivalry turns deadly: Suspect arrested in principal's murder
In a major breakthrough, police have arrested a 28-year-old suspect in the December murder of respected KZN educator Busani Khomo. The killing, allegedly linked to fierce competition for the principal position at Sikhethuxolo Secondary School, has sent shockwaves through the education community.
UPDATE: Chiloane confirms four schoolchildren, including two siblings, killed in fatal Daveyton crash
The identities of the four schoolchildren killed in a crash on N12 outside Daveyton, in Ekurhuleni has been confirmed, including two siblings from the same school.
Education Minister defends McDonald's school desk partnership amid outcry
As controversy rages over McDonald's-branded school desks, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube reveals the stark reality: with 13. 5 million learners and limited resources, private partnerships are unavoidable - but new policies may be needed to protect students' interests.
Basic Education Department defends foldable desk donations amid criticism
Basic Education Department clarifies its position on foldable desk donations in response to parental and educator concerns.
COPE demands removal of foldable McDonald’s branded desks at school
COPE condemns McDonald’s branded desks in schools, calling it a betrayal of children's rights and a dangerous compromise in education.
The journey of retired teachers full of challenges and triumphs in education
Three retired teachers reflect on their journey, the challenges they faced, and their commitment to improving the lives of their pupils.
Inside the world's elite: Switzerland's R3. 2 million a year boarding schools
For the ultra-wealthy, the cost of educating their children knows no bounds. Explore the world's most luxurious boarding schools.
30-year ECD delay 'biggest mistake', admits Ramaphosa at Education Lekgotla
President Cyril Ramaphosa makes a landmark admission about South Africa's 30-year failure in implementing crucial early childhood development programmes, while outlining ambitious plans to transform education for 13. 5 million learners. The President's candid acknowledgment at the Basic Education Lekgotla sets the stage for fundamental changes in the country's education landscape.
New tool promotes languages in school
Teaching children technical words in their home language has just become easier with a new list of scientific and technical terms
Probe launched into death of five-year-old boy allegedly struck by scholar transport
The chilling incident happened outside Phiwokuhle Qophelo Nzuza’s school, Orissa Primary School, in Isipingo, south of Durban, leaving fellow pupils and teachers shaken.
'You're turning children into walking billboards': Education Minister faces backlash over branded portable desks for Grade 1 learners
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube sparks nationwide debate after endorsing McDonald's-branded portable desk initiative at Cape Town's St Paul's Primary School, with parents and activists condemning the move as exploitative advertising.
80% of SA Grade 3 learners cannot read for meaning, 2030 Reading Panel reveals
The 2030 Reading Panel reveals a devastating literacy crisis in South African schools, with 80% of Grade 3 learners unable to read for meaning. The report highlights critical teacher shortages, insufficient funding, and calls for an R18 billion injection into early childhood development.
SA’s urgent need for African language foundation phase teachers
South Africa faces a critical shortage of foundation phase teachers qualified to conduct lessons in African languages, impacting literacy development
Curro Holdings to report strong cash flows despite weaker student growth
Nevertheless, Curro is in a healthy financial position, and recurring headline earnings per share are expected to increase between 9. 3% and 17. 5% for the year to between 80 cents and 86 cents a share, from 73. 2 cents the year before.
Its a bluff, no Grade 13 in 2026
The Department of Basic Education warned that there were no plans to increase