2026 academic year

Manamela optimistic about 2026 academic year

Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, says he is confident the 2026 academic year will be more stable, with ongoing monitoring to ensure the smooth functioning of institutions. He also acknowledged that challenges remain and said the department is working to close gaps and provide additional support to students to improve their overall learning experience. Crackdown on illegal private institutions Manamela further also confirmed that the department is […]

January 22, 2026 17

News

Gauteng parents plead for assistance amid school placement crisis

Frustrated parents in Gauteng claim they are being asked to pay money before their children can be placed in schools. Scores of desperate parents gathered at Barnato Park High School in Johannesburg’s CBD, demanding urgent assistance with enrolment, despite the school saying it has already reached full capacity. The parents have accused the school of what they describe as unfair and illegal practices, claiming they are being denied even […]

January 16, 2026 59

News

Scores of parents left frustrated by placement crisis in Gauteng

As schools welcomed learners back into the classroom on Wednesday, more than 2,500 learners in Gauteng are still awaiting placement, leaving children and parents frustrated. Scores of parents gathered at various district offices in Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni, scrambling to secure space for their children for the 2026 academic year. The Gauteng Department of Education has committed to finalising Grade 1 placements by the end of the week, while also working […]

January 14, 2026 39

News

Manamela urges VUT to safeguard 2026 academic year amid fake degree scandal

Higher Education Minister, Buti Manamela, has urged the Council of the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) to implement strong measures to protect the integrity of the 2026 academic year amid the unfolding scandal over fraudulent qualifications. The institution is facing allegations of a criminal syndicate selling fake degrees and illegally registering foreign nationals. The council has since launched an independent forensic investigation to determine the scale of the scheme and […]

December 10, 2025 34