The National Treasury has announced the temporary withholding of July 2026 equitable share transfers to sixty‑nine municipalities across South Africa, citing persistent failures in financial management and governance.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said the decision, taken under Section 216(2) of the Constitution and the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), was “extraordinary but necessary” to protect public money and restore accountability in local government.

“This is not punitive. It is corrective. It is designed to instill fiscal discipline, protect public money, and ensure that municipalities comply with the law,” the Minister said.

Treasury’s figures paint a stark picture. Since 2021–22, municipalities have incurred R24.12 billion in fruitless and wasteful expenditure. Irregular expenditure has reached R145.21 billion, with R40.14 billion recorded in 2024–25 alone. Unauthorised expenditure stands at R118.13 billion, more than half of which was on non‑cash budget items.

Budget credibility has deteriorated sharply: in 2024–25, 116 municipalities - nearly half - adopted unfunded budgets. By year‑end, municipalities owed R3.40 billion in interest to Eskom and R1.21 billion to water boards, while 48 municipalities had overdue third‑party deductions.

“These may sound like administrative matters, but to a household or a business they are deeply personal. They determine whether water flows, whether electricity is supplied, whether salaries are paid, and whether students can continue their studies,” Godongwana said.

Safeguarding Services

Treasury stressed that the withholding of funds is not intended to disrupt essential services. Instead, transfers are being redirected in tranches directly to Eskom, water boards, and statutory bodies to safeguard electricity, water, and pensions. Municipalities that demonstrate compliance will see their transfers reinstated.

Targets have been set: a 15% reduction in irregular expenditure balances by August and another 15% by September, alongside evidence of funded budgets, functioning disciplinary boards, and consequence management.

“South Africans deserve municipalities that are financially sound, accountable, and capable of delivering services. By invoking the Constitution, we are signaling seriousness about governance, fiscal responsibility, and the rule of law,” the Minister said.

Treasury highlighted that despite years of support, guidance, and training, many municipalities continue to adopt unfunded budgets, accumulate unauthorised and irregular expenditure, and fail to meet statutory obligations to Eskom, water boards, SARS, the Auditor‑General, and pension funds.

Godongwana noted that weak governance structures and ineffective Municipal Public Accounts Committees (MPACs) have compounded the crisis. “Non‑payment of service providers results in penalties, interest charges, and service interruptions. Weak governance erodes accountability and public trust,” he said.

Section 32 of the MFMA requires municipalities to recover unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure (UIFWE) from those responsible unless certified as irrecoverable by MPACs. Treasury found that many municipalities have failed to process UIFWE cases, undermining consequence management.

“Transfers will resume once municipalities meet the required conditions and submit proof. Compliance will be monitored rigorously. Political and administrative leaders must fulfill their fiduciary duties,” the Minister said.

Corrective Measures

The municipalities affected span all nine provinces, including major metros such as Johannesburg in Gauteng, Nelson Mandela Bay, Buffalo City, and Mangaung. Smaller municipalities such as Makana, Modimolle‑Mookgopong, and Beaufort West are also on the list.

Treasury said municipalities had been given sufficient notice in writing and urged to take measures to change their financial management positions ahead of the withholding of funds. They were also provided a platform to submit reasons why their transfers should not be withheld.

“Our task is to ensure that corrective measures are understood as safeguards, not sanctions. We must demonstrate that fiscal discipline and service delivery can coexist,” Godongwane said.

Godongwana emphasised that restoring the credibility of public finance at both local and national levels is central to South Africa’s growth strategy. “It is about protecting the integrity of our institutions, ensuring that public money serves the public, and restoring trust in local government,” he said.

Treasury will continue to work with municipalities, provincial treasuries, COGTA, and other cooperative governance structures to strengthen financial management. Support will include circulars, one‑on‑one engagements, and training interventions.

“This is not a one‑off intervention. It is part of a broader effort to restore credibility, accountability, and sustainability in local government. Government stands firmly on the side of citizens, protecting their money, their services, and their future,” the Minister concluded.

Municipal Finances at a Glance

• Fruitless & wasteful expenditure: R24.12 billion since 2021–22

• Irregular expenditure: R145.21 billion, with R40.14 billion in 2024–25 alone

• Unauthorised expenditure: R118.13 billion, over half on non‑cash budget items

• Unfunded budgets: 116 municipalities adopted unfunded budgets in 2024–25

• Debt to Eskom: R3.40 billion in interest owed

• Debt to water boards: R1.21 billion in arrears

• Third‑party deductions: 48 municipalities overdue

• Municipalities affected: 69 across all nine provinces

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Nelson Mandela would cringe in his resting place at Qunu in the Eastern Cape given the current state of his beloved South Africa.

Mandela spent 27 years behind bars fighting for an end to apartheid. Since stepping down in 1999 as a one-term president, his successors, except for short-term appointment, acting President Kgalema Motlanthe, have consistently pissed on the ideals of the great man. If Mandela was about human rights and an inclusive South Africa, former President Thabo Mbeki’s statesman-like legacy is tainted by the signing of the R30 billion arms deal scandal in December 1999.

He further dented his credulity over his stubborn attitude to HIV/ Aids at a time when South Africa had one of the world’s largest HIV epidemics. Mbeki questioned the mainstream scientific consensus that HIV causes AIDS. He gave attention to a small group of scientists and commentators who disputed the link between HIV and AIDS and raised concerns about the safety and effectiveness of antiretroviral (ARV) medicines.

Critics argued that government policy delayed treatment and prevention programmes while AIDSrelated deaths rose. The Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) took the government to court and in 2002 the Constitutional Court ordered the state to make Nevirapine more widely available. Can one forget how Mbeki at a Youth Day rally at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on 16 June 2001, pushed away Winnie Madikizela-Mandela when she joined him on the podium to greet him. The television footage showed Mbeki pushing or brushing her away as she leaned in to greet or kiss him. In the process, her hat was knocked off and the two appeared to exchange angry words.

The former president striking the mother of the nation and its contribution to male chauvinism and the gender abuse prevalent in South Africa today is worth a study. Mbeki was protected just as his successor Jacob Zuma had been by the ANC Women’s League despite his treatment of women, including the rape allegation of a comrade’s daughter on which he had been acquitted.

The Nkandla scandal unravelled by the then Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s Secure in Comfort report in 2014 found that several features installed at Nkandla were not legitimate security measures and provided undue benefit to President Zuma and his family. These included:

•A swimming pool (officially described as a “fire pool”)

• A cattle kraal;

• A chicken run;

• An amphitheatre; and

• A visitors’ centre and other facilities.

The report concluded that Zuma and his family had unduly benefited from these measures. State Capture with the fugitive Gupta brothers, which Zuma has amnesia about, is another example of a politician putting his interests ahead of the country. After Zuma, Motlanthe briefly held the reins before the arrival of Cyril Ramaphosa, whose tenure will be remembered for his not doing much, sitting on his hands, while South Africans suffered.

The raft of scandals arising out of COVID-19 scandals remains a stain on his Colgate smile. It would get worse with the Phala Phala scandal, controversy about a large cash theft at Ramaphosa’s game farm and allegations of a cover-up, raising questions about accountability, transparency and the use of state resources. Like the Nkandla scandal, Ramaphosa saw no action against him. That is, until the impeachment process gained traction this week.

With such strong bullies in charge of the ANC, you question whether its commitment to gender equality will ever see a woman at the helm? That’s for glossing over in August! Coupled with the rising unemployment, increasing poverty, the inability then of Eskom to keep the lights on, ongoing service delivery failures by the government, it is no surprise that voters turned on the ANC during the May 2024 elections.

Critics argue that current President, Ramaphosa, has delivery failures. Although there has been some improvement in reducing loadshedding and implementing economic reforms, many citizens believe these changes have been too slow to improve their daily lives. Ramaphosa has also faced criticism over the handling of corruption, with some arguing that accountability has not been strong enough despite promises to rebuild public trust.

The Phala Phala controversy further damaged public confidence by raising questions about transparency and leadership. It is important to acknowledge that supporters of Ramaphosa argue he inherited many of these challenges after years of state capture and institutional decline. They point to efforts to strengthen law enforcement, reform the electricity sector and stabilise key state institutions. Even so, many South Africans remain disappointed because they expected faster and more visible progress.

As Mandela Day nears, perhaps the ANC should be questioning whether it has anyone in its midst with the selfless care of Madiba than the selfish presidents we have seen after he stepped down. Critics claim that the ANC is on borrowed time. The local government elections will be another test or a nail in the coffin of the world’s oldest liberation movement.

Critics claim that the ANC is on borrowed time. The local government elections will be another test or a nail in the coffin of the world’s oldest liberation movement. Mandela has had his critics and many argue that his reconciliation allowed the Haves to hold onto what they have and not open access to South Africans.

Broad-based Black Empowerment beneficiaries like Ramaphosa, Tokyo Sexwale, Patrice Motsepe, Saki Macozoma and Cheryl Carolus minted money in the name of empowerment. Their families and friends benefited. South Africans got to marvel at the new black rich – and dream of one day emulating them. If Mandela was about reconciliation, he too failed South Africa by retaining the apartheid tags which continue to divide us 32 years after democracy.

The ANC fought against apartheid and strove for a non-racial society under one umbrella. Yet the ethos of apartheid built on the definition of South Africans as Whites, Indian, Coloured and blacks, is pretty much alive. Three decades after democracy, the ethos of a South African remains divided as if one does not belong. It is time to change this if we want the Rainbow nation to become no more than a wonderful phrase coined by the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

While Madiba would cringe, the apartheid masters would be laughing in their graves. Apartheid may be gone by law but their grand creation to keep us separate lives on every day in a democratic South Africa when citizens are still defined by the racist tags bestowed upon them. Let’s be serious about being proudly South African. Mandela’s legacy will be celebrated by thousands doing their bit for 67 minutes on 18 July. Yet it remains a blemish on his selfless legacy – and the selfish men who followed in his footsteps, that South Africa is a pitiful welfare state, where people are used to handouts, instead of hand ups to do it for themselves.

When beneficiaries of handouts like Ramaphosa and company see nothing wrong, one cannot expect a nation surviving on grants, even the miserly R350 a month, which shows how out of touch the government is, to break the cycle of dependence. If he were alive, Mandela would probably tell you that it starts with looking at one’s own selfish behaviour – and returning to the ideals on which the Bill of Rights was established, from which the ANC has moved as far as possible. Mandela would hang his head in shame and cry at our divided South Africa.

This was published in the Mail & Guardian.

© Higher Education Media Services

By Ariellah Rosenberg

On 7 May 1996, Nelson Mandela stood before South Africa’s first graduating class of newly trained science and technology teachers. He called their work “an imaginative and far‑reaching contribution” to opening doors long closed to most citizens. Those doors, he said, led to growth, jobs, education and an honest state.

Thirty years later, too many remain shut.

Mandela set a target of six percent economic growth by the turn of the century. In 2025, South Africa managed just 1.1 percent — its best in three years, but far below his ambition. Sustained growth above five percent has been achieved only once, between 2005 and 2007.

Unemployment stands at 32.7 percent, with 8.1 million South Africans out of work. The crisis is sharpest among the young: 3.9 million aged 15–24 are not in employment, education or training. Nearly four in ten are disconnected from every pathway Mandela envisioned.

Mandela called teacher training the foundation stone. Yet PIRLS 2021 found 81 percent of Grade 4 learners unable to read for meaning - the lowest score among participating countries. Without literacy, the doors to coding, workshops and lecture halls remain locked.

Mandela trusted the state to invest in its people. Instead, corruption has drained resources. South Africa’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index score was 41/100, below the global average and unchanged for three years. Each weakened institution is a classroom not built, a teacher not trained.

Yet Mandela’s speech also prescribed hope: partnership between educators, business and government. That model persists. Across South Africa, NGOs, schools, companies and state departments are training teachers, mentoring youth, supporting township enterprises and building digital skills. Even government concedes it cannot act alone, urging private sector help to open pathways into work.

This Mandela Day, honesty demands we admit how many doors have closed. But Mandela never expected the state to open them alone. He prescribed partnership, education and shared responsibility. The doors he asked us to open still stand. So do the hands to open them.

This version is concise, structured around Mandela’s “doors,” and written in a clear news register. It highlights the failures with sharp data points, then pivots to the enduring partnerships as the hopeful close.

Ariellah Rosenberg CEO of ORT SA, a non-profit education, skills-development and entrepreneurship organisation celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2026.

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The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has played a pivotal role in the KwaZulu-Natal leg of the 2026 African Synergy Health (ASH) Mandela Week Surgical Marathon, helping deliver life-changing care to patients long stuck on elective surgery waiting lists.

Over five days (6–10 July), UKZN’s Discipline of Urology specialists and trainees joined forces with healthcare partners to perform surgeries on 74 patients at the Victoria Mxenge–St Aidan’s Hospital Tertiary Complex in Durban and Ngwelezana Provincial Tertiary Hospital in Empangeni. This marks a significant contribution toward the national campaign’s aspirational target of treating 200 patients by the end of Mandela Month.

The surgical teams carried out a range of complex urological procedures, including correcting congenital birth defects, reconstructing damaged urethras, and removing cancer-affected kidneys and testes. Several patients underwent multiple operations during the marathon, with the final tally of procedures still being consolidated.

Dr Cindy Zietsman, Head of UKZN’s Discipline of Urology and the KwaZulu-Natal Clinical Department of Urology, said the initiative highlights the power of collaboration.

“Treating 74 patients in just five days demonstrates both the commitment of our multidisciplinary team and the impact that strategic public-private partnerships can have on reducing surgical waiting lists,” she noted.

Zietsman added that demand for specialist urological services in KwaZulu-Natal continues to far exceed available capacity, with urgent cases waiting up to eight weeks and elective procedures stretching to 12 months.

To maximise access, theatre capacity was expanded: Victoria Mxenge–St Aidan’s ran eight slates daily instead of six, while Ngwelezana doubled from two to four.

The Surgical Marathon is being rolled out across six provinces under a Memorandum of Understanding between ASH and the National Department of Health. Having concluded in the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal, the programme is currently underway in Gauteng before moving to the North West, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo.

ASH Founder and CEO Dr Viola Morolo said the organisation’s vision is to eliminate elective surgical waiting lists through collaborative partnerships that strengthen South Africa’s healthcare system.

Morolo, alongside Dr Marissa Conradie, volunteered during three of the five operating days, working with UKZN specialists, registrar doctors, and surgical nurses.

The initiative’s impact continues to grow. In 2025, 38 patients underwent 118 procedures at Victoria Mxenge–St Aidan’s. This year, nearly double the number of patients were treated across two hospitals, underscoring the expanding reach of the partnership.

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Millions of people take daily vitamins and minerals, yet research suggests a significant proportion of what we swallow passes through the body without being used. The problem may not be the nutrients themselves, but the form they come in.

Spend any time in a pharmacy and the supplement aisle can feel more bewildering than helpful. Shelves stacked floor to ceiling with bottles promising immune support, better sleep, stronger joints and sharper focus; all containing more or less the same vitamins and minerals, and very little to help you understand why one might work better than another.

The answer lies not in what a supplement contains but in how that nutrient has been produced and what form it takes when it enters your body.

The absorption problem nobody talks about

When we eat a handful of blueberries or a plate of broccoli, we are not just consuming Vitamin C or iron or magnesium. We are consuming those nutrients embedded in a complex matrix of proteins, enzymes, fibre, phytonutrients and co-factors that the body has evolved to recognise and process. These elements do not work independently, they work together. The bioflavonoids in citrus fruit, for instance, are understood to support the uptake of Vitamin C. The fat-soluble co-factors in whole foods help transport fat-soluble vitamins to where they are needed. Think of it this way: nature packages nutrients with their own instruction manual, and the body reads it better than anything we can manufacture.

The majority of supplements lining the shelves do not replicate this complexity. Instead, they isolate a single nutrient - often synthesised in a laboratory - and deliver it without the supporting cast that makes it functional in a food context. The body may recognise the compound, but it does not always know what to do with it efficiently.

A meaningful proportion of synthetic vitamins are excreted before they can be fully utilised, which is why high-dose synthetic supplements sometimes produce vivid results in the bathroom but less measurable results in the body. You may be spending money on supplements that are, quite literally, going to waste.

What ‘food-grown’ actually means

The term ‘food-grown’ or ‘whole-food nutrition’ refers to a category of supplements in which vitamins and minerals are sourced from, or grown within, real food matrices rather than synthesised chemically. The nutrients are extracted from plants, fruits and other natural sources and retain the co-factors and enzymes that accompany them in their natural state.

Take Vitamin C as an example. Synthetic supplements typically use isolated ascorbic acid. Whereas a food-grown Vitamin C supplement might use acerola cherry which is a fruit with one of the highest natural concentrations of Vitamin C available. Research indicates that the vitamin C delivered in a food-grown form is absorbed 1210% more effectively than isolated ascorbic acid; and it delivers ascorbic acid alongside bioflavonoids and other naturally occurring compounds.

The same principle extends across the vitamin and mineral spectrum. B vitamins derived from fermented whole grains or quinoa arrive with the co-enzymes that support their conversion into active forms in the body. Plant-sourced magnesium tends to be more gently absorbed than high-dose synthetic magnesium oxide, which is notorious for its digestive side effects. Food-derived iron is generally better tolerated and less likely to cause the constipation associated with the ferrous sulphate found in many conventional supplements.

Absorption is only part of the story

Absorption is the central argument for food-grown nutrition, but it is not the only one. Conventional supplement manufacturing often relies on fillers, binders, artificial colourants and flow agents. In short, inactive ingredients used to make the manufacturing process easier or the tablet more visually appealing. These additives contribute nothing nutritionally and, in some cases, may interfere with absorption. Targeted supplementation, in a form the body can actually use, is a compelling proposition.

There is also the question of what is on the label versus what is in the product. Supplement regulation varies, and the gap between what a label claims and what a product delivers is not always scrutinised. Manufacturing to accredited standards under the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) guidelines and current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) protocols, for instance, provides a level of assurance that not every brand on the shelf can offer.

A different way to think about daily nutrition

For most people, the goal of taking supplements is simple: to fill the gaps that diet alone may not cover, and to support the body in functioning well. The logical extension of that goal is choosing supplements that the body can actually put to work, which means considering not just the nutrient but its origin, its form and the quality of the process behind it.

Food-grown vitamins and minerals return to the logic of whole-food nutrition applied to the convenience of supplementation. For anyone serious about getting genuine value from their daily routine, it is a distinction worth understanding.

Most people take supplements because they genuinely want to look after themselves – and they deserve to know that what they’re taking is actually working for them. Your body already knows how to use nutrients when they come from food. Taking a food-grown supplement just makes that easier to access every day.

©Higher Education Media Services.

The King of the Zulu Nation Misuzulu kaZwelithini has urged African leaders to balance compassion with governance in managing migration, during a landmark visit to Zimbabwe over the weekend where he emphasised shared history, mutual respect, and the sovereignty of nations.

“I come to Zimbabwe not merely as the King of the Zulu Nation, but as a son of Africa who believes that our continent’s greatest strength lies in our shared history, our shared humanity and our shared responsibility to one another,” the King declared in his keynote address.

On Thursday IOL reported that the King led a delegation including AmaMpondo King Ndlovuyezwe Ndamase from the Eastern Cape as well as other traditional leaders from other provinces, to Zimbabwe to meet with president Emmerson Mnangagwa to address illegal immigration issues.

The newspaper quoted Ndamase saying: “I cannot divulge the agenda of the meeting before it takes place, however, I can assure the public that the issue of illegal immigration is on the agenda”.

Issues around illegal immigration affecting mainly South Africa have been a hot topic internally and among many African countries, especially Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi and Nigeria, ever since disgruntled South Africans took to the streets, marching against the government for keeping our borders porous.

Irate South Africans through organisations such as March and March have been protesting against the presence of millions of undocumented and illegal migrants that are a strain to the economy of this country, including a burden to health facilities, schools and the infrastructure.

The protesters set a 30 July deadline for all illegals to leave South Africa and created a repatriation crisis for many countries around SADC, with thousands of migrants still stranded at camps set up in the country to deal with the crisis.

In a speech delivered in Zimbabwe over the weekend, the Zulu monarch underscored the deep ties between South Africa and Zimbabwe, describing the two nations as “family” whose histories have been intertwined for centuries.

He reminded his audience that African identity has never been confined to colonial borders, citing historical figures such as Chief Mzilikazi and Soshangane who established communities across Southern Africa.

“Being family does not exempt us from respecting one another’s homes. On the contrary, family respects family,” he said, stressing that respect for immigration laws is essential to preserving both dignity and sovereignty.

The King rejected polarized narratives around migration, cautioning against both xenophobia and lawlessness. “Violence against any innocent person, regardless of nationality, can never be justified. Equally, no sovereign state should be expected to abandon the enforcement of its immigration laws out of fear of being labelled xenophobic,” he said.

He argued that the real challenge facing Africa is not xenophobia but governance. “When borders are poorly managed, when documentation systems fail, when corruption enables unlawful entry… communities inevitably lose confidence in the ability of institutions to maintain order,” he warned.

Proposing a continental framework to address migration, the King outlined principles including respect for sovereignty, modern border management, stronger cooperation against document fraud, lawful labour migration agreements, and humane returns of those residing illegally. He also called for joint investment in economic development to reduce poverty-driven migration.

“Africa does not need open borders without accountability. Africa needs lawful mobility. Africa needs secure mobility. Africa needs managed mobility,” he said.

The King emphasized the role of traditional leaders in bridging governments and communities, promoting lawful migration and social cohesion.

“Traditional leadership can become a bridge between governments and communities by promoting lawful migration, social cohesion and peaceful coexistence,” he noted.

Concluding his speech, the King reaffirmed his visit as one of friendship and unity. “May future generations say that when Africa was confronted with difficult questions about migration, we did not allow division to define us.

Instead, we demonstrated the courage to distinguish between lawful migration and illegal immigration. We strengthened the rule of law without abandoning the spirit of Ubuntu.”

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Nombulelo Mabel September (née Williams) devoted her entire life to nursing - not as a career, but as a calling.

Affectionately known as “Granny” in Adam, Ballenden, Masupa and across the entire Orlando East community of Soweto, she was more than a caregiver. Whether in hospitals or in the neighbourhood, she treated every patient and neighbour with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Her faith guided her service. She believed deeply that “we are our brother’s keeper,” and she lived that truth daily. Granny never sought recognition, but instead taught those around her the meaning of serving without complaint.

For many, she was the first person to turn to in an emergency, when a clinic or hospital felt too far away. She never dismissed anyone, regardless of their circumstances.

One moment stands out: in 2008, when asked to sit with a neighbour’s body, my mom, at home where she had passed - while the family sought help at the mortuary, Granny did not hesitate.

She simply sat quietly in the room, calm, steady, and present. No words, no complaints, just a profound act of companionship. That was Granny: her presence alone was a form of Christ-like service.

Her life challenges us to reflect on the kind of community we want to build. In an age where selfishness and materialism often dominate, Granny showed another way.

She was a builder of community, a woman who respected her neighbours, cared for strangers, and placed family and community above herself.

She believed that respect begins at home. When we respect our neighbours, we learn to respect each other. When we respect each other, we learn to respect our country. And when we respect our country, we nurture responsible citizens, fight corruption, and raise leaders of integrity.

Granny’s legacy reminds us to honor the elders who stayed, who served, who built with their hands and their prayers when no one was watching. If our children carry forward that lesson, then her 101 years will continue to shape South Africa long after her passing.

Obituary:

Nombulelo Mabel September (née Williams) was born on 23 May 1925, the first child of Roberton Mazolo and Mittah Nomathemba Williams.

She began her schooling in Tuku Village, Eastern Cape, before moving on to Ayliff Secondary School, where she completed her Junior Secondary education. From an early age, September dreamed of becoming a nurse - inspired by the sight of the only nurse in her village, dressed in a crisp white uniform. That vision became her lifelong calling.

She applied for training at Frontier Hospital in Queenstown, where a senior tutor encouraged students to seek opportunities at larger hospitals. On completing her course, September was accepted for further training at Boksburg Benoni Hospital in Ekurhuleni. She was one of only three Black students admitted, a milestone she described as “a dream come true.”

It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Cebisa September. They married, and together raised four children - Nondumiso, Nomonde, Nkosana, and Nombulelo - while she completed her training as a registered nurse.

Her passion for nursing deepened, leading her to pursue midwifery at Edendate Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal. Even while studying, she made sacrifices, sending her children to live with relatives in the Eastern Cape until she could reunite them with her and her husband in Gauteng.

Her career spanned more than four decades. September worked at Coronation Hospital and several clinics, including George Goch, 18 Hoek Street, Orlando Clinic, Orlando Child Health Clinic, Shanty, and Senaone Clinics. She was also “on call” in her neighborhood, often delivering babies in emergencies.

September retired in 1988, but her devotion to service continued. She worked part-time at an old age home, extending her care to the elderly. In her later years, she dedicated herself to her family, especially her grandchildren.

In May 2025, she celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by family, friends, and the community she had served with unwavering commitment.

Tribute from Her Granddaughter, Khanyi

Khanyi September, one of her grandchildren, shared this reflection:

“I have had the gift and honour of knowing my grandmother, Mabel September, for all my life. She lived to the blessed age of 101 years.

In honouring her and the life she lived, I fear I will do her an injustice — but because she is my grandmother, she deserves to be remembered out loud. She was the matriarch of our family, the foundation we all stood on. She raised her family with a deep, strong sense of love that held us together.

Each one of us - her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family - have been shaped by her example. The way we love and care for each other, the way we laugh through challenging times, all carry her fingerprints.

You shared laughter, tears, sorrows, and experiences. All those stories will forever keep her in our hearts. Thank you, mama, for everything.

Nombulelo Mabel September passed away on 16 June 2026 and was laid to rest on 23 June at the Avalon Cemetery in Soweto.

Lala ngoxolo Hlopheni, Ngwane, Mgabhi, Magijimela.

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Jayden Adams: A Football Journey Cut Short

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture on Saturday confirmed the passing of Jayden Adams, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana. Minister Gayton McKenzie expressed the nation’s grief when he said:

“South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his teammates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international.”

Adams’s career began at Stellenbosch FC, where he became the club’s first academy graduate to sign a professional contract in August 2020. Over four years, he made 139 appearances and helped Stellenbosch lift the 2023 Carling Knockout.

His move to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025 marked a new chapter, where he added a Betway Premiership title and a CAF Champions League crown to his honours.

On the international stage, Adams was part of the Bafana Bafana squad that claimed bronze at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire. He featured in all three group matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, helping South Africa reach the Round of 32 for the first time.

His professionalism was evident even in moments of personal grief. During the World Cup clash against Czechia in Atlanta, Adams played despite learning of his grandmother’s death only hours before kick‑off. Minister McKenzie recalled:

“That he chose to wear the national jersey and give his all for his country in that moment speaks to a depth of character and professionalism well beyond his years.”

The cause of Adams’s death has not yet been confirmed. Authorities have appealed for restraint and compassion, urging the public to avoid speculation while his family and club grieve.

Luqobo “Bibo” Makwedini: A Rising Rugby Prospect

In France, rugby was shaken by the sudden death of Luqobo Makwedini, who collapsed after a training session with PRO D2 side Béziers.

He was taken to hospital but died hours later. French media reported a suspected cardiac arrest, though the exact cause has not been confirmed.

Makwedini, affectionately known as “Bibo,” had joined Béziers’ academy ahead of the 2025/26 season after excelling at Wynberg Boys’ High School in Cape Town. A former South Africa Under‑18 international, he was tipped to break into the senior squad.

Béziers president and former Springbok captain Bob Skinstad paid tribute to Makwedini and said:

“Luqobo joined our training centre during the off‑season and quickly became a valued member of the Red and Blue family. His commitment, kindness and personal qualities deeply impressed everyone at the club. Today, the entire Red and Blue family is united in mourning and deeply shaken by this heartbreaking loss.”

Tributes also came from teammates, including Wales international Mackenzie Martin, who shared a picture of Makwedini with a broken heart emoji.

The deaths of Adams and Makwedini have united South Africa in mourning across two of its most beloved sports. Both men embodied the dreams of young athletes — Adams through his rise from academy prospect to international footballer, and Makwedini through his determination to succeed abroad in rugby.

Their legacies will endure not only in the trophies and matches they played but in the lives they touched. As Minister McKenzie concluded:

“On behalf of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, I extend my deepest condolences to Jayden’s family, his young daughter, his teammates, his fellow Bafana Bafana players and coaching staff, and the entire football fraternity. May his soul rest in peace.”

And as Béziers Rugby affirmed, the memory of “Bibo” will remain with all who knew him.

The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, welcomes the appointment of Yusuf Cassim as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training and congratulates him on assuming this important responsibility.

The Minister looks forward to working with Deputy Minister Cassim in advancing the priorities of the Post-School Education and Training system, including the stabilisation of NSFAS, improved governance across entities, skills development, SETA reform, TVET and CET college strengthening, and expanded access and success for students.

The Minister also thanks outgoing Deputy Minister Dr Mimmy Gondwe for her service to the portfolio and for her contribution to student support, partnerships, skills development and sector outreach during her tenure.

The Ministry remains focused on building a stable, responsive and future-oriented post-school education and training system that serves students, workers, institutions and the country.

Cassim was appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his recent cabinet reshuffle triggered by the demotion of former DA leader and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen in the GNU at the behest of current party head honcho Geordin Hill-Lewis.

Steenhuisen is now Deputy Trade and Industry Minister under Minister Parks Tau.

Ramaphosa also brought back to the cabinet, Dinah Pule as Minister of Social Development replacing Sisisi Tolashe who was axed a month ago.

Pule left under a cloud when she was Communications Minister under former President Jacob Zuma’s tenure, following allegations of corruption involving her boyfriend.

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For decades, Malawi’s agriculture sector has been dominated by subsistence and primitive farming methods despite being the main strategic sector for the country’s economic growth.

However, the establishment of the Agriculture Commercialisation Project has brought hope to most farming families in this land locked Southern African State.

AGCOM II/MFSRP was launched, as a successor to the Agricultural Commercialisation (AGCOM I) project, to spearhead national agricultural productivity and commercialisation in the country with a focus on strengthening the resilience of food systems in line with the Malawi 2063 agenda.

The program is financed through a US$ 390 million grant from the World Bank, Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP), Food Systems 2030 (FS2030), and the Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF), says Ministry of Agriculture Public Relations Officer, Salome Gangire.

Key interventions include matching grants to finance productivity-enhancing capital assets for farmer groups and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), farmer capacity building, agricultural research and innovation development, construction of four medium-to-large scale irrigation schemes, digital agriculture through development and upscaling of systems, land reforms implementation, strategic infrastructure development, food systems mainstreaming in national and regional policy making, and contingent emergency response during severe food shortages, says Gangire.

Under AGCOM I between 2018 to 2024, 365 farmer groups were supported with a total investment of about MWK 28.30 billion, reaching 73,360 farmers (41,715 women, 31,645 men, and 22,193 youth).

AGCOM II, significant contributions in enhancing the country’s agricultural productivity and commercialization have been made.

“To date, 463 Productive Alliances have been awarded matching grants, of which 290 producer organisations and 41 SMEs are under implementation,” she says.

The matching grants are financing capital assets such tractors, processing facilities, modern livestock housing, improved livestock breeds, warehouses, cold storage, milk bulking facilities, just to mention a few.

Over US$ 14.4 million has been disbursed to date through the facility, reaching 50,049 farmers and 58 percent of them being women.

“Additionally, construction processes for three mega irrigation schemes are underway at Lembani, Bwanje, and Mpamba irrigation schemes. Construction of the Malawi Bureau of Standards Secondary laboratory in Lilongwe is at 80 percent completion, while rehabilitation of the Mbelwa and Lunzu residential training centres stands at 80 percent and 38 percent, respectively,” Gangire says.

Currently, she adds, procurement processes for contractors to construct the Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL) and Seed Storage facility at Chitedze are also underway. The program is also constructing eleven land registries in Lilongwe, Salima, Ntchisi, Ntcheu, Mangochi, Phalombe, Chiradzulu, Mwanza, Neno, Karonga and Rumphi districts.

Contractors, she says, were hired and are on the ground, with completion expected by November 2026.

“Under digital agriculture, the program is supporting the upscaling of the National Agriculture Management Information System (NAMIS) and Land Information Management System (LIMS). About 3.5 million farmers were registered in the digital farmer registry under NAMIS while the LIMS has been used to register about 130,000 customary land parcels to date,” Gangire adds.

Development of the Automated Cooperative Registry system is ongoing and on track to be completed by July 2026.

Furthermore, the project engaged a consultant who has completed the development of the system requirements and terms of reference for the digital Virtual One-Stop Service Centre (OSSC).

Under the Soil Health Pilot Project, during the 2024/25 season, the program supported 23,976 farmers with soil health management training and 1,598.4 metric tonnes of inorganic fertilizer, 799.2 metric tonnes organo-mineral fertilizer, 799.2 metric tonnes of lime, and 360 metric tonnes of legume seed. During the 2025/26 season, the pilot project supported 21,933 farmers with 630.04 metric tonnes of NPK, 517.40 metric tonnes of Urea, 639.90 metric tonnes of organo-mineral fertilizer, 146.20 metric tonnes of lime, and 77.50 metric tonnes of legume seed, she adds.

Gangire says under land reforms, a total of 37,483 customary land parcels were adjudicated and demarcated to enhance land tenure security for the producer organisations. Under contingency emergency response, AGCOM II procured 56,224.95 metric tonnes of maize, which was distributed to 955,466 households to support the government’s lean season response between the 2024 and 2025 season.

Currently the Ministry intends to sustain and scale up the gains achieved under AGCOM II by integrating successful interventions into its mainstream programmes and policies.

“Key priorities will include continued support to farmer organizations and cooperatives, promotion of agricultural commercialization, expansion of irrigation infrastructure, strengthening agricultural value chains, enhancement of digital agriculture systems, and promotion of climate-resilient agricultural practices.

“The Ministry will also continue mobilizing resources from Government, development partners and the private sector to ensure continuity of critical investments initiated under AGCOM II,” Gangire says.

The current programme, AGCOM II is approaching its midterm of implementation, according to Gangire with scheduled phase out in 2029.

“As such, the ministry and other implementing Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) aims to fast-track implementation of the program’s flagship interventions including the construction of the mega irrigation schemes, supporting more farmer groups, enhancing value addition, supporting development of seed systems, and adoption of resilience-enhancing practices and technology.

“As part of sustainability, the program is building capacity of the Ministry at all levels, to provide support to the cooperatives beyond the project,” she says.

The ministry of Agriculture, according to Gangire, has encountered several challenges in the implementation of the AGCOM II program, including, among others, foreign exchange shortages which is affecting importation of farm machinery, processing machines, and construction materials, and delays in electricity connectivity to some of the groups that AGCOM is supporting, including delays by farmers in mobilising cash contribution (10 percent) for the matching grants.

“However,theMinistry remains committed to ensuring that AGCOM II delivers lasting benefits to Malawian farmers and contributes meaningfully to the country’s agricultural transformation agenda. We are grateful for the continued support from our development partners, implementing institutions, the private sector and farming communities.

“Through collective effort and sustained investment, we are confident that the programme will continue to strengthen food systems, improve livelihoods, create employment opportunities and contribute towards the realization of Malawi 2063. We encourage all stakeholders to remain committed to the successful implementation and sustainability of the programme’s,” adds the Ministry’s publicist.

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a significant reshuffle of the national executive, reinforcing the Government of National Unity (GNU) through a series of ministerial and deputy ministerial appointments agreed upon following consultations with the Democratic Alliance (DA).

The changes see several prominent DA figures returning to government, with former minister Dina Pule appointed as Minister of Social Development, filling one of the Cabinet’s key vacancies.

In terms of Section 91(3)(b) of the Constitution, Ramaphosa has appointed:

• Willem Aucamp as Minister of Agriculture

• David Maynier as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

• Dina Pule as Minister of Social Development

The President has also made a number of deputy ministerial appointments under Section 93(1)(a) of the Constitution:

• John Steenhuisen as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition

• Alexandra Abrahams as Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy

• Jack Bloom as Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation

• Yusuf Cassim as Deputy Minister of Higher Education

Steenhuisen’s return to the executive is among the most notable developments, placing the former Agriculture Minister and DA leader in a key economic portfolio at a time when government is seeking to stimulate growth and investment.

The appointments underscore ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation within the GNU and maintain stability across critical sectors of government.

President Ramaphosa wished the incoming ministers and deputy ministers success in their new responsibilities, expressing confidence in their ability to serve South Africans and advance the work of government.

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Police and private security companies remained on high alert as masses of people staged protests throughout South Africa against illegal immigration, porous borders and corruption in general.

However, reports show that the marches were peaceful except in one or two places in Johannesburg, where residents reportedly burned tyres and barricaded main roads.

But the main march led by leaders of March and March in Soweto, was attended by thousands of residents who were joined by hostel dwellers, remained peaceful and there were no incidents reported there.

Services in the City of Joburg were suspended on Tuesday 30 June as the day was set as the deadline for the government to deal with illegal immigration. There were different interpretations as to what is expected, with many illegal migrants fleeing their places of dwelling to seek refuge at their embassies. While scores of buses continued ferrying illegal immigrants from places as far as Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Universities and schools across South Africa remained largely operational on Tuesday despite concerns that nationwide protests could disrupt learning and teaching activities. Authorities have intensified security measures across the country, while urging the public to continue with normal daily activities and avoid panic.

The planned demonstrations prompted heightened vigilance at educational institutions, particularly in major urban centres where increased police deployments, traffic disruptions and public gatherings could affect access to campuses and schools. However, there were no widespread reports of university shutdowns or school closures linked directly to the protests.

The situation comes against the backdrop of a challenging year for the higher education sector. Earlier in 2026, students at institutions including the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Stellenbosch University staged protests over NSFAS funding delays, fee blocks, historical debt and accommodation shortages. Those demonstrations disrupted registration processes and academic activities at several campuses.

Although Tuesday’s protests are focused on broader national issues rather than higher education concerns, university management teams have been monitoring developments closely to ensure the safety of students, staff and visitors. Potential risks include traffic congestion, transport delays and protest activity in areas surrounding campuses.

Schools have also remained open, with most learners attending classes as normal. Education authorities and school governing bodies have kept a close watch on developments, particularly in communities where demonstrations could affect transport routes used by learners and educators.

Government urges normality

Government has sought to reassure parents, students and educational institutions that the day should proceed as normal.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said authorities had been preparing for the demonstrations for several weeks and cautioned South Africans against relying on misinformation circulating on social media.

“Tuesday should be treated as a normal business day,” Cachalia said, stressing that government and security agencies were fully prepared for the planned protests.

He added that extensive resources had been mobilised to support public-order policing and safeguard critical infrastructure, public services and communities during the demonstrations.

Police on high alert

Thousands of SAPS members, metro police officers, traffic officials and private security personnel have been deployed nationwide, particularly in Gauteng and other identified hotspots.

Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane said law-enforcement agencies had undertaken extensive preparations at all levels to ensure public safety.

“Extensive planning has been undertaken at national, provincial and local levels,” Dimpane said as authorities moved to strengthen readiness ahead of the demonstrations.

Police have reiterated their support for the constitutional right to peaceful protest while warning that any unlawful conduct, violence or disruption to public services would be addressed swiftly.

Learning continues, but concerns remain

For universities and schools, the main concern is not necessarily direct protest action on campuses, but the knock-on effects that demonstrations may have on transport, attendance and normal operations. Some institutions may experience delays in the arrival of students, learners and staff if routes are affected by marches or increased security operations.

Despite these concerns, both the basic and higher education sectors are continuing with classes and examinations where scheduled, as authorities work to ensure that learning is not disrupted. The situation is being closely monitored throughout the day, with educational institutions remaining in contact with local officials and law-enforcement agencies to respond to any developments.

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The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training has expressed concern over the continued reliance of some South African public universities on foreign academics, particularly at professor level, despite years of government investment aimed at developing local academic talent.

The concerns emerged during a briefing by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to Parliament on updated figures relating to the employment of foreign academics across South Africa’s 26 public universities, as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and Community Education and Training (CET) colleges.

According to the DHET, South Africa’s higher education sector continues to position itself as a regional and global knowledge hub, with the recruitment of international academics viewed as an important strategy to strengthen research productivity, postgraduate supervision and international collaboration.

The department’s latest data shows that foreign academics employed at universities are predominantly drawn from elsewhere on the African continent, with Zimbabwean nationals accounting for 27% of the international academic workforce and Nigerians representing 14%. More than 61% of foreign academics hold doctoral qualifications, reflecting their concentration in senior academic and research positions.

However, Portfolio Committee Chairperson Tebogo Letsie said the figures raise serious questions about whether government interventions designed to build South Africa’s academic and research capacity are yielding the desired results.

“The committee is concerned that, despite substantial public investment in higher education, research development and academic support programmes, some institutions continue to employ a disproportionately high number of foreign academics at senior academic levels,” Letsie said.

He argued that government has invested heavily over the past two decades in programmes designed to expand the pool of South African academics, yet the representation of local scholars in senior academic positions remains a concern.

“Twenty years later, the numbers have not improved. Government has spent a lot of money, yet there are no tangible results from the investments made. We need to ask whether we have produced enough South Africans to occupy these positions,” he said.

The committee highlighted data presented by the DHET which showed that at some universities, including the University of Cape Town (UCT), the number of foreign national professors exceeds the combined number of African, coloured and Indian professors. Similar trends were noted at the universities of Pretoria, Free State and Venda.

Letsie stressed that the committee’s concerns should not be interpreted as opposition to internationalisation or as xenophobia, but rather as part of a broader transformation and skills development agenda.

“To use UCT as an example, 39.7% of professors are white, 39.3% are foreign nationals, and only 22.6% are African, Indian and coloured professors combined. These statistics should shock all of us,” he said.

The DHET acknowledged challenges in collecting accurate information on foreign academic appointments, including gaps relating to permanent residency status and critical skills visas. The department said improvements to the Higher Education Management Information System (HEMIS) are being planned to enable more reliable monitoring and reporting.

Among the department’s proposed interventions are the introduction of mandatory reporting of staff nationality, visa status and employment category; closer collaboration with Universities South Africa (USAf) and the Department of Home Affairs; and the establishment of a standardised framework governing the employment of foreign academics.

The framework, expected to be presented to stakeholders later in 2026, will include provisions on skills transfer, local succession planning and alignment with employment equity requirements.

The briefing also revealed that 265 foreign nationals are currently employed as academics in TVET colleges, with most serving at lecturer level and many having acquired South African citizenship or permanent residency. A further 31 foreign lecturers are employed across five CET colleges.

While acknowledging the contribution of international academics to research excellence and knowledge production, Letsie said Parliament would continue monitoring the issue closely.

The committee has resolved to revisit the matter during the final quarter of the year as part of its oversight responsibilities. Letsie further noted that at least four higher education institutions currently employ more foreign academics than black South Africans in certain academic categories, a trend that the committee believes requires urgent attention.

The parliamentary engagement formed part of a broader review of DHET’s fourth-quarter performance for the 2025/26 financial year, during which the department reported achieving 82% of its annual performance targets and spending 99.93% of its R142 billion budget allocation.

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Universities South Africa (USAf) has issued a strong warning against rising anti-migrant sentiment ahead of planned protests on Tuesday, condemning what it describes as a growing climate of intimidation, vigilantism and hostility directed at foreign nationals, particularly African migrants.

The representative body for South Africa’s 26 public universities said escalating tensions around migration threaten social cohesion, undermine the rule of law and could damage both the country’s international reputation and the global standing of its higher education sector.

In a statement, USAf called for a “balanced, evidence-based dialogue” on migration, rejecting attempts to blame foreign nationals for South Africa’s deep-rooted economic challenges.

“As a collective of public higher education institutions committed to advancing knowledge, fostering critical inquiry and upholding the values of human dignity, social justice and global collaboration, we reject all forms of discrimination, exclusion and violence against those who are considered foreigners,” the organisation said.

Universities push back against migration scapegoating

The intervention comes as migration and unemployment continue to dominate public debate, with planned demonstrations expected to place renewed focus on the issue.

USAf acknowledged the severity of South Africa’s unemployment crisis, particularly among young people and vulnerable communities. However, it cautioned against narratives that portray migrants as the primary cause of joblessness.

According to the organisation, unemployment is a complex structural challenge requiring coordinated interventions from government, business and the education sector to stimulate economic growth, expand skills development and create sustainable jobs.

The body argued that years of corruption, weak economic performance, service delivery failures and shortcomings in migration management have contributed to growing public frustration and a widening trust deficit between citizens and the state.

“Blaming foreign nationals for unemployment and other social ills oversimplifies a complex problem and diverts attention from the systemic reforms required to address South Africa’s economic realities,” USAf said.

Border failures should not justify vigilantism

USAf also addressed concerns around undocumented migration, acknowledging government admissions that porous borders have contributed to the problem.

While supporting stronger border management, improved law enforcement and more efficient administrative systems, the organisation stressed the importance of distinguishing between documented and undocumented migrants.

“Not all foreign nationals in South Africa are undocumented, and it is unjust to treat all migrants as though they fall into a single category,” the statement noted.

The organisation emphasised that all people within South Africa’s borders retain fundamental rights and dignity under the Constitution, regardless of their migration status.

USAf further criticised acts of vigilantism and warned that managing border failures remains the responsibility of the state, not individuals or communities taking the law into their own hands.

Higher education sector fears continental fallout

The university sector also expressed concern that rising anti-African sentiment could have long-term consequences for South Africa’s position as a leading academic hub on the continent.

USAf said several scholars and university partners from elsewhere in Africa had already raised concerns about travelling to South Africa because of safety fears linked to anti-migrant mobilisation.

The organisation warned that such perceptions could undermine international partnerships, academic mobility programmes and collaborative research initiatives that are essential to maintaining the country’s competitiveness in global higher education.

“These indiscriminate acts of intolerance risk deterring foreign academics from accepting posts in South Africa and may prompt those already here to seek opportunities elsewhere,” USAf said.

The group cautioned that any decline in international academic engagement would weaken the country’s research capacity, reduce its influence across Africa and threaten its ambitions to remain a regional centre for higher education and innovation.

Call for calm ahead of Tuesday’s protests

As demonstrations approach, USAf appealed for restraint and urged South Africans to engage in constructive dialogue rather than intimidation or violence.

The organisation called on government, business, civil society and academia to work together to address unemployment, strengthen border governance and protect the rights and safety of all who live, work and study in the country.

USAf also urged law enforcement authorities to take all necessary measures to maintain public order, protect lives and uphold the rule of law during and after Tuesday’s protests.

“Migration is a complex issue that must be addressed through evidence-based policymaking, effective governance and constructive national dialogue,” the organisation said.

©Higher Education Media Service.

As South Africa’s public sector intensifies its focus on governance reform and accountability, the National Lotteries Commission is emerging as a case study in leadership transformation, with significant representation of women in key decision-making roles. Across governance, regulatory compliance and finance, these women are not only steering reform but also redefining what ethical, people-centred leadership looks like in a critical national institution.

Evidence increasingly shows that leadership diversity strengthens institutional performance. Studies within South Africa’s public sector indicate that women in leadership contribute positively to governance practices, social cohesion and inclusive development. Globally, research links greater female participation in governance to improved stability and more inclusive decision-making. A large-scale review of leadership outcomes found that nearly 90% of studies reported positive organisational impact associated with female leadership, including stronger financial performance, enhanced ethical governance and improved organisational culture. i

Importantly, this is not about replacing one leadership model with another, but about strengthening institutions through a broader range of perspectives, leadership styles and experiences.

At the Helm: Commissioner Jodi Scholtz

Since her appointment in February 2023, Jodi Scholtz, the Commissioner of the National Lotteries Commission, has become a central figure in the organisation’s efforts to stabilise and renew. As the NLC’s accounting authority, Scholtz is responsible for regulatory oversight, grant-funding governance and the restoration of public trust after years of reputational damage.

Her tenure has been marked by an emphasis on ethical leadership, digital transformation and accountability, including progress towards improved audit outcomes and strengthened internal controls. Scholtz has publicly highlighted milestones, including driving digital modernisation, strengthening governance systems, and securing clean audit outcomes, signaling a decisive break from the past. Her leadership style—which she describes as values-driven and rooted in empathy—offers a powerful example of women leading with both authority and humanity, particularly in high-pressure regulatory environments.

“Our focus is on building an institution that is accountable, transparent and responsive to the communities we serve. Leadership is not just about authority, it is about stewardship, says Scholtz.

Women Shaping Governance at Board Level

Women are also prominently represented on the board, where strategic direction and oversight are set. Among them is Beryl Ferguson, a seasoned board member and former chairperson of the South African National Biodiversity Institute, bringing deep experience in governance, public accountability and sustainability.

Alongside her is Precious Mvulane, a respected chartered accountant and auditor whose expertise in audit and risk management strengthens the NLC’s financial oversight capabilities.

Another key figure is Irene Ramafola, a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA (SA)), who is the Chief Financial Officer of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and has extensive public finance experience, including her previous role as chief financial officer at the Department of Economic Development. Ramafola’s presence brings critical financial discipline and strategic insight at a time when transparent management of public funds is non-negotiable.

Together, these women help to ensure that governance at the NLC is not only compliant with legislation but also responsive to the needs of the communities the Commission strives to serve. Collectively, their expertise reinforces governance resilience at a time when public trust in institutions is under heightened scrutiny.

Distributing Agency Leadership Strengthening Grant Governance

At the level of grant adjudication, the National Lotteries Commission continues to benefit from strong female leadership within its Distributing Agencies, where funding decisions are assessed and approved.

Appointed in July 2025 by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Dr Zukiswa Yoliswa Zinhle Nzo serves as one of the three chairpersons of the Distributing Agency.

Nzo is Research Fellow at the University of the Free State’s Free State Centre for Human Rights within the Faculty of Law, she brings over 16 years of multidisciplinary experience spanning government, academia, civil society and the private sector. Her work as an inclusion researcher, social entrepreneur and facilitator reinforces a governance approach that is both rigorous and socially responsive.

She is joined by Ms Chickey Silvy Mofet-Mubu, a graduate of the Wits Business School and former senior manager at the National Lotteries Commission, where she oversaw grant funding processes.

Together with their fellow chairperson, they play a critical role in overseeing the evaluation, adjudication and recommendation of funding applications, while ensuring adherence to the Commission’s legislated 150-day turnaround timeframe.

Collectively, their leadership strengthens the integrity, efficiency and accountability of the NLC’s grant funding system, ensuring that resources are directed to initiatives that deliver meaningful social impact.

Executive Leadership: Women in Operational Command

At the executive level, women are not only shaping strategy but also driving operational delivery across critical functions.

• Ms Tina Maharaj, the Chief Financial Officer, oversees the NLC’s financial stewardship, budget controls and fiscal compliance, a role fundamental to ensuring that lottery proceeds reach deserving causes responsibly.

• Ms Tintswalo Nkuna is the Executive Manager: Regulatory Compliance.

She is pivotal in enforcing compliance and safeguarding the integrity of the Lottery ecosystem.

• Ms Poppy Tshabalala, Chief Information Officer, is a seasoned ICT executive who is currently leading the NLC’s digital transformation strategy, ensuring that the Commission’s operations are modernised in alignment with South Africa’s e-government objectives.

These women collectively anchor the NLC’s transition from crisis management to sustainable governance.

Inspiring a New Generation of Public Servants

The visibility of women in such powerful roles at the NLC sends a clear and encouraging message: public service leadership is not defined by gender. For young women considering careers in regulatory compliance, finance, law or governance, these leaders offer tangible proof that it is possible to rise, lead and effect meaningful change within state institutions.

Their journeys help demystify senior roles that often seem inaccessible, particularly to women from disadvantaged backgrounds. By occupying spaces where crucial decisions are made, they normalise women’s authority and expand the pipeline of future female leaders in the public sector.

The Impact of Women-Centred Leadership

Women leaders at the NLC bring more than demographic diversity—they introduce inclusive leadership approaches, heightened ethical sensitivity and a long-term view of social impact. In the context of the NLC’s mandate to distribute funding to social causes, this leadership approach translates into stronger oversight, improved transparency and a sharper focus on community impact. At the NLC, this translates into greater focus on accountability, improved stakeholder trust and a renewed commitment to ensuring that Lottery funds uplift the most vulnerable. Their influence is felt not only internally but also across the thousands of non-profit organisations that rely on the Commission’s work.

Redefining Power Through Service

In a country still grappling with inequality and gender disparities, the women of the National Lotteries Commission demonstrate that leadership is most powerful when it is rooted in service. By restoring credibility, strengthening governance and opening doors for others, they are quietly but firmly transforming the institution—and inspiring a future where women’s leadership in public service is not the exception, but the norm.

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Cape Winelands Airport and Stellenbosch University (SU) have entered into a cooperation agreement aimed at advancing innovation under the shared themes of “Smart” and “Green” development. The partnership reflects a joint commitment to foster sustainable growth and drive academic advancement.

The agreement outlines a broad range of collaborative focus areas, including agriculture and food processing, spatial planning, transport and logistics, space and aviation research, and the integration of airport operations with urban development. Through this partnership, both parties will actively seek opportunities to align academic research, industry expertise, and infrastructure development to address real-world challenges and unlock new opportunities.

Importantly, the collaboration aligns with the planned R8 billion expansion of Cape Winelands Airport, which is expected to transform the airport into a significant economic hub over the coming years.

The scale and long-term nature of the project present a unique platform for practical learning, applied research, innovation, and industry collaboration across multiple disciplines. Engineering collaboration is expected to play a central role in the partnership, with both parties identifying opportunities for technical cooperation, infrastructure innovation, operational efficiency, and future-focused engineering solutions linked to airport expansion and aviation infrastructure development.

“This initiative speaks directly to the kind of partnership-driven development we believe in, where infrastructure, innovation and skills come together to create real impact.

“The Cape Winelands Airport project offers an opportunity to build a dynamic ecosystem that can unlock economic growth, support emerging industries, and position the region as a hub of innovation and opportunity,” said Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University

Deon Cloete, Managing Director for Cape Winelands Airport said, “This cooperation marks an important milestone for the airport. The airport expansion presents a unique long-term opportunity to connect academia and industry in a way that creates meaningful economic and educational impact.

By working closely with Stellenbosch University, we are creating a platform to explore future-focused solutions that benefit the aviation sector, students, and the broader regional economy.”

The initial areas of potential collaboration include building student capacity through applied research opportunities linked to the airport’s development and operational environment. This may include research projects for master’s students within Stellenbosch University’s Engineering Management programme focused on areas of strategic interest to Cape Winelands Airport.

The partnership will further explore opportunities to establish facilities and spaces that support testing, innovation, prototyping, and future production-related activities linked to aviation, infrastructure, logistics, and smart technologies.

“The airport expansion also presents opportunities to contribute towards the development of future aviation talent pipelines within South Africa. Through collaboration with Stellenbosch University and broader industry stakeholders, Cape Winelands Airport is interested to explore opportunities linked to aviation skills development, pilot training pathways, airport operations, engineering disciplines, and future-focused transport and logistics capabilities. The intention is to create a long-term skills ecosystem that supports both economic growth and human capital development in the Western Cape,” said Cloete.

“From a research and innovation perspective, this collaboration creates valuable opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement across fields ranging from engineering to agriculture.

“By strengthening partnerships between academia and industry, we can foster knowledge exchange and contribute to innovative solutions that benefit both the region and society more broadly,” said Prof Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation at Stellenbosch University.

As the airport evolves over the coming decades, the partnership aims to ensure that academic research, innovation, and skills development remain closely connected to the practical realities and opportunities emerging from one of the country’s most ambitious aviation infrastructure projects.

Beyond its aviation role, the airport expansion is expected to become a major driver of regional economic development and job creation within the Western Cape. Current projections indicate that the development could sustain approximately 35,000 direct and indirect jobs during the construction and expansion phases, while supporting just over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs during its first 20 years of operation. This positions the project as one of the most significant long-term infrastructure and economic development initiatives in the region.

“The development of a modern airport ecosystem of this scale creates substantial opportunities for collaboration between academia, industry, government, and the broader aviation sector.

“It provides a real-world environment in which students, researchers, and industry specialists can engage directly with complex challenges related to aviation operations, infrastructure planning, engineering, logistics, sustainability, environmental management, transport systems, smart technologies, and regional development” concluded Cloete.

* This article was compiled by the Cape Winelands Airport with input from Stellenbosch University

ABOUT CAPE WINELANDS AIRPORT:

Cape Winelands Airport, formerly Fisantekraal Airfield, is a privately led airport development located 13 kilometres northeast of Durbanville. Originally established in 1943 as a South African Air Force base for Lockheed Ventura bombers, it was renamed in 2020 to reflect its location in the Cape Winelands.

Currently serving as a general aviation facility and a popular base for flight training, plans are underway to expand and to develop a state-of-the-art, green, smart, and innovative aviation precinct that will redefine Cape Winelands Airport as a modern gateway for the region. Visit capewinelands.aero for more information.

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Long before she became an author, leadership speaker and mentor to aspiring leaders, Linda Zama was a young woman from KwaZulu-Natal with a passion for learning, service and the power of human connection. Those values would eventually place her in one of the most extraordinary positions imaginable — working closely with former President Nelson Mandela and witnessing, firsthand, the leadership principles that made him one of the world’s most respected figures.

Now, after years of reflecting on those experiences and translating them into practical lessons for modern audiences, Zama is preparing to launch her latest book, Beyond the Icon, at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg on Friday, 24 July 2026.

More than a book launch, the event promises to be a conversation about leadership in an age defined by uncertainty, rapid technological change, climate challenges, corruption, geopolitical tensions and shifting social realities. Drawing on lessons she observed during her time alongside Mandela, Zama’s book seeks to move beyond admiration for celebrated leaders and focus instead on the enduring principles that ordinary people can apply in their own lives.

For Zama, who hails from KwaZulu-Natal, the journey to this moment has been shaped by a commitment to lifelong learning and a belief that leadership is not reserved for those in positions of power. Through her work as an author, speaker and content creator, she has built a reputation for transforming complex ideas into practical guidance that resonates across generations.

“Beyond the Icon is not a book about placing a single leader on a pedestal,” says Zama. “It is about understanding the values, habits and decisions that enable people to lead with purpose, integrity and courage in their own environments.”

The choice of Constitution Hill as the launch venue carries particular significance. Once a site associated with imprisonment and injustice, the precinct has become a powerful symbol of South Africa’s democratic journey and constitutional values. Against that backdrop, Zama’s message is clear: the lessons of history are meaningful only if they equip people to confront today’s challenges and shape tomorrow’s future.

At the centre of the evening’s programme will be a panel discussion led primarily by young South Africans. The conversation aims to bridge generations, exploring how the leadership lessons embodied by Mandela can help young people navigate a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence, economic uncertainty and social transformation.

The youth-led format reflects one of the book’s key themes — that leadership must continually renew itself through fresh voices and new perspectives.

“This book is for a generation that refuses to compromise its values, while also refusing to remain powerless,” says Zama. “Icons inspire us for a season, but principles carry us for a lifetime.”

The launch will feature remarks by the author, an interactive panel discussion and an opportunity for attendees to have copies of the book signed. Readers, professionals, students and aspiring leaders are all expected to attend what promises to be an inspiring evening of reflection and dialogue.

Ultimately, Beyond the Icon challenges readers to look beyond the legacy of one remarkable individual and consider a deeper question: what kind of leaders must we become to meet the demands of our own time?

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The international academic community is rallying behind South Africa’s Information Systems (IS) scholars following criticism of the country as a host destination for the prestigious International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS) 2028.

In a strongly worded statement dated 24 June 2026, the Editorial Board of the leading journal Information Technology for Development (ITD) declared its solidarity with the South African Chapter of the Association for Information Systems (AISSAC) after comments made in a recent podcast questioned South Africa’s suitability as a conference venue.

The controversy stems from an episode of the podcast This IS Research, titled “How to Pick the Perfect Conference Location”, released on 10 June 2026.

According to the ITD statement, the podcast hosts portrayed South Africa primarily as a tourist destination and questioned the appropriateness of holding a major academic conference there. They also reportedly cast doubt on the visibility and significance of Information Systems researchers from South Africa and other countries in the Global South.

Concerns Over Western-Centric Perspectives

The ITD Editorial Board criticised what it described as a “remarkably Western-centric” perspective in the podcast discussion. The board argued that the comments privileged the convenience of researchers based in North America and Europe while overlooking the realities and contributions of scholars from other regions.

The statement highlighted that Information Systems research communities in countries such as South Africa and Thailand have long been producing valuable scholarship, often under resource-constrained conditions. The board warned that questioning the relevance or visibility of these communities’ risks dismissing decades of academic work and knowledge production.

Defence of Global South Scholarship

Since its establishment in 1986, ITD has published research from countries across Africa, Asia and other parts of the Majority World. The editorial board described this diversity of knowledge as one of the journal’s greatest strengths and a vital contribution to the broader Information Systems field.

The board expressed concern that the podcast remarks effectively undermined the existence and achievements of scholars working outside traditional Western academic centres. According to the statement, such attitudes not only silence important voices but also weaken a discipline that thrives on collaboration, shared experiences and global perspectives.

Support for AISSAC’s Call to Action

The ITD Editorial Board formally endorsed AISSAC’s response and its call for corrective action. These recommendations include a public correction of the record by the podcast hosts, a future episode dedicated to meaningful engagement with Information Systems scholarship from the Majority World, and the application of the same evidential standards to discussions about non-Western academic communities as are applied elsewhere in the discipline.

Importantly, the board said its position was motivated by accountability rather than confrontation, expressing hope that the episode would encourage greater awareness and appreciation of research contributions from developing regions.

A Broader Debate About Inclusion

The dispute has sparked a wider conversation about representation, inclusivity and geographic equity in global academia. As South Africa prepares to host ICIS 2028, the response from ITD and AISSAC underscores growing demands for international scholarly communities to recognise and value research excellence wherever it is produced.

For many African academics, the controversy serves as a reminder that global knowledge production is increasingly diverse and that conferences, journals and professional associations have a responsibility to ensure scholars from all regions are treated with equal respect and recognition.

The statement by the Editorial Board of Information Technology for Development, was released earlier today, 24 June 2026.

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South Africa’s ambitions for a more efficient, citizen centric public sector are well documented. Yet across government, the real constraint is often not policy or technology, but rather capacity in having skilled individuals inside departments who can turn digital strategies into working systems.

It is against this backdrop that a quiet, practical shift is taking place across national and provincial government.

Through Microsoft South Africa’s Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), 64 unemployed graduates, each with a minimum NQF Level 7 qualification, have been trained and placed into long term roles across 11 government departments. Their task is straightforward but consequential: to automate processes, digitise workflows and help government move closer to a paperless, more efficient operating model.

Crucially, this is not a learnership or an internship. These graduates are employed for three years, with Microsoft fully funding their salaries and continued professional development through to June 2028. Since onboarding in March 2026, they have been embedded in departmental teams, working directly on live automation and digital transformation programmes.

Before placement, each participant completes a Microsoft Expert Technical Certification in Power Platform course, equipping them with low code and no code capabilities to build solutions that reduce administrative bottlenecks, improve data visibility and modernise service delivery.

From day one, the impact is felt. Graduates are redesigning approval workflows, digitising document management, and replacing manual tracking systems with automated dashboards. These changes may not always be headline grabbing, but they materially affect how quickly a licence is processed, how accurately information is captured, and how efficiently citizens are served.

As Lerato Mathabatha, Public Sector Director at Microsoft South Africa, explains, “Government is under increasing pressure to deliver services that are more accessible, predictive and responsive to citizens’ needs. Cloud and AI technologies are already helping departments reimagine service delivery, but sustainable transformation is enabled and scaled through public-private partnerships, where these platforms are paired with skilled people inside government who can build, adapt and scale solutions.”

This combination of cloud platforms, AI enabled tools and embedded digital skills is becoming increasingly important as government moves toward data driven decision making and more unified digital services.

The placement programme directly addresses a long-standing challenge in public sector reform namely the shortage of practical digital skills within departments, where institutional knowledge and continuity matter as much as technology itself.

By embedding graduates for a multi-year period, the programme shifts them from being observers of transformation to contributors, creating continuity and sustainable impact.

From a national perspective, this model also speaks directly to South Africa’s employment challenge.

As Lebogang Luvuno, B BBEE Executive at Microsoft South Africa, notes, “Sustainable digital transformation depends on more than skills development in isolation. It requires meaningful employment pathways that connect training to real operational environments. Through the EEIP, we are creating jobs, enabling immediate contribution to government modernisation, and building a pipeline of digital professionals who can grow long term careers in public service.”

The results are already aligning with broader government digitisation efforts. In the North West province, for example, initiatives such as the SmartGov rollout are accelerating digital service delivery by modernising workflows and reducing reliance on paper-based systems.

Microsoft’s EEIP reflects a wider commitment to South Africa’s digital economy, spanning youth employment, SMME enablement, education and public sector modernisation. But the Public Sector Workplace Placement Programme stands out because it prioritises long term presence over short term intervention.

Rather than being trained and released, graduates are placed into departments with the time, support and mandate to contribute meaningfully to operational change.

This sustained presence allows improvements to be built into day-to-day government operations. As processes become more automated and data driven, departments are better equipped to deliver services efficiently and respond to citizens’ needs.

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Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has announced the death of its Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus.

Professor Matsha-Erasmus was a distinguished academic, an accomplished leader, and a passionate advocate for the transformative power of higher education.

She was announced as the new Vice-Chancellor on 1 June 2025, with her appointment described as a bold and visionary step forward for SMU, strengthening its position as a leading institution in health sciences education, research, and societal impact.

However, insiders at the university said she had recently come under increasing pressure from the university council before her sudden death.

“Her passing represents an immeasurable loss not only to the SMU
community but also to the higher education sector, the health sciences fraternity, and the many communities whose lives were touched by her leadership, scholarship, and service,” the university said in a statement.

Since assuming office as Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Matsha-Erasmus dedicated herself to advancing the university’s academic mission, strengthening research and innovation, and positioning SMU as a leading institution committed to excellence, equity, social justice, and meaningful community impact. She championed a vision of a university that not only produces graduates and knowledge but also actively contributes to nation-building and social transformation.

Her tenure was characterised by courage, integrity, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to accountability. She led with conviction during a period of significant institutional reflection and renewal, consistently demonstrating a willingness to engage difficult issues openly and to place the long-term interests of the university above personal or organisational comfort.

As the SMU community mourns this profound loss, it also celebrates a life of exceptional achievement, dedicated service, and enduring impact. Professor Matsha-Erasmus leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire students, academics, researchers, professional staff, alumni, and partners for generations to come.

The university extends its deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Professor Matsha-Erasmus during her distinguished career.

Further details regarding memorial and funeral arrangements, as well as opportunities for members of the university community and the broader public to pay tribute to Professor Matsha-Erasmus, will be communicated in due course.

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