Mystery ‘scrubs’ substance sparks concern at Gauteng schools

Mystery ‘scrubs’ substance sparks concern at Gauteng schools

The Gauteng Education Department has expressed concern over a mystery powder known as "scrubs" making its way into some school communities. The colourful powdered substances are reportedly being bought by learners from spaza shops and local vendors, with some pupils allegedly sprinkling them onto meals served at schools through the government's National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) The department says the contents and safety of the powders remain unclear, prompting calls […]

October 1, 2026 36

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Maile promises smoother Grade 1 and 8 admissions

Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, has promised a better and more efficient system as the 2027 online admissions process for Grades 1 and 8 gets underway today. The application period for the 2027 academic year opened today and will run until 4 September, after which the placement process will begin. The department has 48 decentralised walk-in centres, 15 district offices, the Provincial Head Office […]

August 5, 2026 35

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Gauteng probes cost of educating undocumented foreign learners amid growing pressure on schools

The Gauteng Department of Education has launched an investigation into the financial impact of educating undocumented foreign learners as schools continue to face mounting pressure from overcrowding and rising enrolment. The issue was raised during the tabling of the department's 2026/27 budget vote by Education MEC, Lebogang Maile, in the Gauteng Legislature on Tuesday. Gauteng operates the largest public education system in South Africa, currently serving more than 2.8 million […]

June 23, 2026 106